Drive by shooting Claims 2 Lives
Devistated Community in an Uproar
By Keith L. Forest


There’s something about summer in the city. The heat seems to bring out the worst in people. With unemployment at an all time high and folks feeling the strain of a stressed economy, tempers are bound to flair. God knows Bainbridge Street has seen its share of confrontations. That is why many of its neighbors greeted the arrival of fall with a sigh of relief. I’m sure they were grateful for the warm weather and time away from work the summer months brought. However, most are thankful that this summer passed by without incident and looking forward to the fall in hopes that the cooler weather would force the kids hanging on the stoop at 217 Bainbridge Street to seek new territory.

There’s nothing wrong with them hanging out on the stoop. After all, the majority of the kids lived in the building. Besides, the entry way provided a safe and watchful place for them to commune. However, as the crowd grew over the summer and unfamiliar faces joined the fray, danger was sure to follow.

There were a few concerned residents who tried unsuccessfully to address the matter. Those that did were greeted by threats while others allowed fear to prevent them from saying anything. Yet, each day the crowd seemed to grow larger and more rambunctious.

Merchants complained of mild harassment and of objects being thrown from the roof of the building while tenants silently suffered the noise, loud music, mischievous pranks, and unlawful transactions taking place in the halls.

As summer ended last weekend ushering in fall, the police presence seemed to have slowed down. After all they had raided the building several times and made a few arrests. What more could they do?

So when a cruiser drove by around 5 on Thursday, there was nothing strange to report. Nothing seemed suspicious. Just inner city kids, with no where to go and nothing to do, hangout on the stoop.

Yet, the bomb that the 81st precinct, resident and the community tried to designate all summer was about to explode. A few weeks ago, a shoot out took place in Brevoort Houses. It was reported to be gang related. The New York Daily News reported that an SUV carrying members from a rival gang drove down Bainbridge Street just before 6:00 PM and opened fire.

After hearing the gun shots, Ms. Stokes a single mother and tenant of the building rushed downstairs. Her worst fears were answered when she found her 20 year old son Antoine Stokes, in the lobby covered by a pool of blood. Another mother’s child lied motionless in the street. Not too far away a 16 year old fought for his life. Chaos followed. Screams filled the street as people frantically searched for their loved ones.

I'm still somewhat traumatized,” stated Eric Smith an outspoken tenant at 217 Bainbridge Street. “The sight of the young men sprawled out on the stoop and in the lobby, mortally wounded and critically injured seemed almost surreal... I've always advocated that the issue of activity on the stoops of apartment buildings was one that should concern us all because it’s counterproductive to the security and serenity of our block.”

The stoop at Bainbridge Street, the summer hangout spot, is now a crime scene. The front door is riddled with bullets holes from an unsolved murder mystery. A picture of the victim Antoine Stokes looms over a row of burning candles that illuminate a makeshift memorial. The cardboard-structured- monument contains hand written condolences for the deceased.

Anthony Herbert, a local politician seeking the 41st Council Seat, held a gathering on the stoop on Sunday. A kind gesture fueled by his own political agenda. Nevertheless neighbors used the meeting as an opportunity to comfort and celebrate one another. With a police tower keeping surveillance a block away, parents felt safe to let their children stay up late and share a laugh in the midst of sorrow. The score was settled. Two young lives were cut short. Life goes on for now.

Keith L. Forest is a freelance publicist, writer and proud Bedford-Stuyvesant home owner who lives and works in the beloved community. His current blog space mybedstuy.blogspot.com seeks to celebrate the people and places that make up this great community while addressing issues such as gentrification, predatory lending and other ill norms that seek to exploit, discredit and harm the area and its people.