Showing posts with label bedstuy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bedstuy. Show all posts

Thursday, August 15, 2013

PERVIS PRINCIPLES 2

It’s finally here! 

All around the world people have been inspired by Pervis Principles... 
 In Brasil we read Pervis Taylor. We enjoy his Teachings Sempai Santos,Brazil
 Here is your chance to help Pervis reach even larger numbers of people with his new book!
 In order to successfully roll out this book, Pervis needs our help 

As a Life Coach, mentor and Inspirational Speaker, Pervis has used his book as a tool to reach youth of all ages; while inspiring and encouraging young adults to dream big and soar higher! 


By pre-ordering advance copies, we can help Pervis' inspirational
words touch the hearts of even more individuals! 


 If you have already ordered a copy – Thank you! 
You can help by becoming general supporters with a pre-order gift of 5 or more books which will be donated to youth organizations - targeting young men of color - within New York City. 


For educators, youth counselors, and group leaders within the New York City metro area, 
order 20 or more advance copies and qualify for a chance to receive a free workshop 
or gift a free workshop to your favorite organization. 


General orders will also get a chance to win a free Life Coaching session with Pervis
Orders of 10 or more books, will receive a free guaranteed session.
People Are Talking About Pervis Principles

"Pervis Principles is a must have" - Janet Hill Talbert 
former Executive Editor, Double Day/Random House.

"I like the fact that it was shared from principled that worked for you and since principles 
works for anyone who applies it you made it simple and handy. Have you written the vol II"
 -Onwaku Matthew Onyaka, Nigeria



"While this mini-book has been out since late 2010, it has two distinct 
things going for it. First, its size--just right for pocket or backpack. 
Second, the fact that it has a distinct biblical connection. In the end, 
the wisdom factor from Pervis Taylor III will keep young people 
turning the pages for the 30 days worth of character-building inspiration. 
No texting involved…but reading and thought WILL be required!"
 - Mike Ramey





Monday, March 26, 2012


12 “Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” 13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on[b] its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar.

The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a human being. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!
Joshua
Walking into the promise land was no small process for Joshua. It was a well fought journey – a journey with many obstacles, hindrances and battles. Yet, GOD remained faithful. He promised Joshua that he would bring His people into the promise land. However, He never told Joshua that it was going to be an easy task. Just like the wilderness experience, GOD gave many signs of wonders elevating His people’s faith in Joshua as he did with Moses encouraging and steering the hearts of His soldiers to fight a good fight for the army of GOD. God is still in the miracle business and His signs are still present. They may not be as grand as splitting a sea or making the moon stand still. However, they are in our everyday existence. As believers we have to seek them out.

Friday, April 09, 2010


"Bed-Stuy Med Volunteers Step Up in Haiti," - The Indypendent

Within 48 hours after the Jan. 12 earthquake hit Haiti, the Bedford-Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corp had already gathered $30,000 worth of supplies and registered 200 volunteers to travel there as part of the relief effort.

“I’m leaving behind all my bills, all my family, and I had a whole team to worry about,” said Chief Colin Raeburn, who led the group’s relief effort in Haiti. “I thought, ‘What the hell am I getting myself into?’”
"Brooklyn 'jail' playground could be rebuilt as White House to mark one of America's historic moments,"
By Michael Daly - New York Daily News

The word "jail" has been painted over, but on close examination you can still see the letters.

And there remains the mystery of how the city allowed a jail to be part of a play set at a Brooklyn housing project for six years.

Another question is: What should be done with that playground now?

How about putting in something to mark a giant leap forward the whole country took, a leap that still seemed all but impossible when the "jail" was installed back in March of 2004?

How about replacing the city's only jail playground with its very first White House playground?

Until Barack Obama was actually elected, many people believed that an African-American could not become President.

Obama proved that America had finally become a place where anybody really can grow up to become President.

A kid-sized White House would have a perfect backdrop with the huge portraits of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X that presently adorn a handball court wall facing the playground.

And, where steps and a bridge once led to a jail cell, youngsters would be ascending to the highest office in the land, one no longer barred to a person of color.

I was lucky enough to be down in Washington on inauguration weekend and I remember watching 5-year-old Marcus Scott of Brooklyn, a descendant of slaves, doing a happy dance with an American flag.

"It's nice to be able to wave the flag and say we belong here," said his mother, Alison Scott.

I also remember seeing Elaine Cope of South Carolina point her camera between the iron bars surrounding the White House.

"How many times I've been to Washington and I've never wanted to take a picture of the White House," Cope said.

Obama remains our President even if the Tea Party nuts rail against him with such fury that you have to figure race is involved.

As the health bill was finally nearing passage last week, some of that came to the surface. A tea party protester spat the N word at Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga).

"It surprised me that people are so mean and we can't engage in a civil dialogue and debate," Lewis said afterwards.

Lewis is a civil rights champion who addressed the same rally where King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. The modern day haters seem exasperated by the reality that part of the dream has been realized with Obama's election.

I do not include Sarah Palin in that group. She is even worse. She fans the flames to her own ends.

She is no hockey mom.

She is a hockey player and she looks to win.

But maybe she was a blessing during the election. She was such a bad candidate that whites who probably would never have voted for a candidate of color ended up going for Obama.

The right wing has grown so wild and wacky that the one-time embarrassment Palin is stepping in to help her former running mate, Sen. John McCain.

In the midst of this mad meanness, we would do well to remind youngsters of the continuing victory that preceded it.

That will becomes all the more important as the city and state budget cuts begin hitting the schools and leaving the streets more dangerous. As always, the poorer neighborhoods will feel the cuts most keenly.

Doing well in school could become even tougher. Falling into trouble could become even easier.

Just as the playground "jail" carried a bad message, a White House would carry a good one: However tough things may get, we have overcome one obstacle that was so important because it never should have been there in the first place.

In the meantime, even a city going broke can afford to replace the ragged American flag flying in front of Public School 59 across Throop Ave. from the playground.

As a playground White House would remind the kids, the flag does indeed belong to everybody, as much to them as to Sarah Palin and her Tea Party pals, or anybody else.

Wednesday, February 03, 2010


MTA ON TRACK TO INSTALL ELEVATOR AT UTICA AVENUE
Community outraged by plans That Calls for Ramps to Individual Platform
By Keith L. Forest

After 20 years of negotiating, Community Board 3 is finally on track to having an elevator installed at the Utica Avenue A&C train station. Representatives from Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) attended CB3’s monthly meeting to share the good news. However, they were in for a surprise when their plan, which calls for an elevator to be installed on the North East side of the station and ramp access leading to the individual platforms, was not well received.

Attending members were outraged and felt the MTA once again short-changed them. The installation of ramps, members expressed, jeopardizes the health of the elderly and physically challenged by forcing them to navigate inclined slopes. Members demanded that the plans be revised to include elevator access from the street to the individual platforms. frustrated MTA members agreed to take suggestions back to the drawing board. Construction is set to begin spring 2011.

Community Board 3 also conducted a public hearing to address the 2011 City Budget. Although the board presented over 10 capital budget items and 9 expense items, due to recent citywide budget cuts the city only green lighted two (2) of its capital budget items. They are: installation of the elevator on Utica Ave and reconstruction of Nostrand Ave from Flushing to Atlantic. Board members took the opportunity to educate the public on the process and encourage the community to fight for alternative ways to support other projects such as Von King’s Cultural Art Center and the rehabilitation of Sumner Avenue Armory for community use.

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.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009


BAINBRIDGE ST/MALCOLM X BLVD BLOCK ASSOCIATION HOST HOLIDAY PARTY!
Block Devastated by Tragedy Join Forces in Unity to Serve as Instrument of Change
By Keith L. Forest

Although the weather outside was frightful, the love and unity inside New Destiny Housing was warm and neighborly as members of Bainbridge Street/Malcolm X Blvd Block Association faced one of the city’s worst storms to attend its inaugural Christmas party. Inside the sprawling basement recreational hall, block member Chiquina Richardson, a talented and creatively gifted event planner, decked the halls with holiday splendor magically capturing a “Winter White Christmas” theme complete with snow caps, a frosty, glittering tree and candle lit motifs.

The affair was truly a collaborative effort and everyone enthusiastically pitched in. Whether it was shopping for food, assisting with decorations or cleaning up, all hands joyfully came together for a day of reflection and celebration. During the get together all attending children kept busy playing numerous board games, while adults mixed and mingle. Young resident Erica Smith - a shining member of the prestigious Noel Pointer School of Music - led the crowd in a solo violin performance of “Jingle Bells” while her father, Block President Eric Smith honored all with a holiday toast. In addition to the delicious food and festive treats, all attending children received a complimentary gift from City Councilwoman Darlene Mealy.

Earlier this year Bainbridge Street/Malcolm X Boulevard Block Association made headlines when three (3) of its youth were gunned down in broad daylight in what was classified as a gang-related shooting. In honor of such tragic lost neighbors joined forces demanding stronger police presence and a complete investigation.

Bainbridge St/Malcolm X Blvd Block Association, which just elected all new officers, was recently rewarded a Love Your Block grant. In addition to cash funding, the grant includes expedited support from various city agencies for block improvement which includes cleaning up vacant lots, replacing worn out litter baskets, removing graffiti and replacing worn out street signs. The block association plans to use the funding to continue its beautification efforts in making Bainbridge Street a safe and respectful place to call home.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

"Developer order to pay 10.9 Million to Bed stuy Condo Owners,"
By JOE WALKER - New York Times

A Brooklyn developer who took advantage of a faculty-housing exemption to build oversized condominium buildings, then sold the units on the open market, will be barred from selling apartments in New York State, according to an agreement between the developer and the attorney general’s office.

Along with barring him from selling real estate securities, the settlement requires that the developer, Mendel Brach, pay $10.9 million to the residents of the 72-unit development to repair structural defects. (click for full story)

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

FIFTH ANNUAL BED-STUY ALIVE! WEEK RETURNS
Culturally Enriched Invitation to “Embrace Our Treasures”
By Keith L. Forest

Brooklyn NY (September 9, 2009) – The Bed-Stuy Alive! Collective is proud to present the 5th Annual Bed-Stuy Alive! Week, celebration scheduled to takes place Saturday, October 10 - Saturday, October 17th. The Collective includes: Bridge Street Development Corporation, Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, the Brownstoners of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Inc., Community Board 3, Bedford-Stuyvesant Artists’ Association, Project 17 Realty and Associates, and the Central Brooklyn Community Services Corporation. “We are pleased to be a part of this event, which will showcase our great businesses, restaurants, artists, and homes,” stated Rhonda Lewis, Executive Director of Bridge Street. Themed, “Embrace Our Treasures,” which reflects the history and growth of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Bed-Stuy Alive! Week is designed to promote economic development, neighborhood pride, tourism, our fine arts community, and the rich heritage of the people who live here.

Bed-Stuy Alive! Week begins Saturday, October 10, with an annual Gala Kick-off and street festival. This outdoor event, complete with an open vendors market, health fair, kid’s corner and awards program, takes place from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Fulton Street between New York and Brooklyn Avenues. It will include a food court, health and wellness screenings; outdoor kid’s activities and games; and the First Bed-Stuy Healthy Heart Community Dance line. Hosted by Community Board 3 and the Brownstoners, this family friendly activity will add excitement and joy, as block associations, senior centers, and groups from all over collectively compete to create the longest Cha Cha Slide line in the City. There will also be various cultural performances from local schools and community organizations and a special live concert featuring some of Brooklyn’s hippest, hottest and funkiest bands. Sponsored by Restoration Rock, patrons can “Rock” to the pulsating sounds from a variety of established and emerging talent.

In addition, Bed-Stuy Alive! Week will also include the first annual Tohma Y. Faulkner Community Award. Named after Bed-Stuy Alive! Week founder this award presentation pays homage to Ms. Faulkner’s unswerving commitment, dedication and service to the people and places of her beloved Bedford- Stuyvesant neighborhood and is presented to individuals that truly embrace Ms. Faulkner’s profound commitment to “serve and not be served.” This year’s honorees include: Hardy “Joe” Long, President of the Fulton-Nostrand United Merchants’ Association; Peggy Alston, Program Director of Restoration’s Youth Arts Academy; Deon Davis Harris, owner of Everything Scratch Café; Catherine Arline, President of the 81st Precinct Council; Frederick Pena, member of the 79th Precinct Explorers; Leroy Darby, owner of Leroy’s Framing Shop, and Bernice Green and David Greaves, publishers of Our Time Press.

A healthy community is a happy community and Bed-Stuy Alive! Week encourages runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages to join them for Restoration Plaza’s annual 10K Run & Fun Walk. This healthy excursion, which takes place Sunday October 11, is for people of all fitness levels, travels along a scenic picturesque route through historic Brooklyn. Participants are encouraged to register on-line www.restorationplaza.org. For additional information, please call Restoration Plaza at: (718) 636-6972.

There is no need to travel outside the neighborhood for fine dining and unique shopping, when Bed-Stuy has everything you need within walking distance. In celebration of the 5th Annual Bed-Stuy Alive! Week, local merchants in association with Bridge Street Development Corporation; participating shops on Lewis Avenue; Tompkins Avenue and Malcolm X. Merchants’ Associations; are joining forces to offer the ultimate shopping and dining experiences while providing a variety of discounts and special offers. Visitors and neighbors will have a golden opportunity to pick up the latest fashion and gift items from numerous boutique an shops; taste a variety of mouth watering dishes and delectable treats from special eat-in and take-out menus. Patrons are encouraged to look for the Bed-Stuy Alive! Week posters which will be on display at participating venues.

In addition to the abundant shopping and entertainment opportunities, on Saturday, October 17th, the Bedford-Stuyvesant Artists’ Association (BeSAA) will host its 6th Annual Studio Strut. This festive community affair honors Bed-Stuy’s culturally rich artistic talent with an outdoor art exhibition at Junior High School 35, located at (number) MacDonough Street, on the corner of Lewis Avenue.

Bed-Stuy Alive! Week culminates with the Brownstoner’s 31st Annual House Tour of Bedford-Stuyvesant, which takes place, Saturday, October 17th. The theme for this year’s event is “The legacy Continues: Restore, Revitalize, Rejuvinate. ” The self guided tour will begin at 10:00 AM with a free homebuyers’ seminar at at Old Boys High School, (number) Marcy Avenue at Putnam Putnam Avenue. Tickets for the house tour are $15.00 (until October 15th), and $20.00 on the day of the tour. Proceeds benefit scholarships for graduates of Boys and Girls High School and the programs in the “Old Boys High School” building.

Bed-Stuy Alive! is funded by New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, New York State Assemblymember Annette Robinson, and New York City Councilmember Albert Vann. Sponsors include: Our Time Press, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Central Brooklyn Lions Club.

Bedford Central Community Development Corporation
Presents Its 4th Annual Home Buyers Seminar Series
Program provide participants with tools to secure & sustain homeownership
By Keith L. Forest

Purchasing a home in today’s current economy seems like a long shot. With banks strict lending policies and foreclosures abound, the American Dream seems more like a nightmare. However, according to Wayne Devonish, Executive Director of Bedford Central Community Development Corporation now is the perfect time.

“There is no better time to become a homeowner than today,” affirms Mr. Devonish. “Mortgage rates are at an all time low, purchasers have more negotiating power and there are grants and funding available for qualified first time home buyers.”

On October 20, Bedford Central Community Development Corporation will host its 4th annual Home Buyer Seminar. The courses will take place at Bedford Central Presbyterian Church, 1200 Dean Street, Brooklyn, NY. The workshops, which are co sponsored by Assemblywoman, Annette Robinson and Assemblyman, Karim Camara, includes a comprehensive 16 week program designed to turn qualified potential home shoppers into financially secure homeowners. “Homeownership is an excellent community stabilizer that provides an excellent incentive for homeowners to take an active role in their community,” says Mr. Devonish, who is a Bedford-Stuyvesant homeowner.

As part of its Literary Institute, which takes a holistic approach to educate Central Brooklyn residents in money management, Bedford Central Community Development Corporation instituted its Home Buyers Program. The 16 week workshops, which are sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, Carver Federal Savings Bank, Nau Corp Properties, HSBC, Wells Fargo, Home Market Realty, Flateau Realty, and Delta Sigma Theta Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter, are divided into four- four week courses covering such topics as: Getting Ready for Home Ownership – which goes over the financial qualifications and the role of realtors, attorneys and home inspectors; Repairing Your Credit – covers budgeting, saving and paying down debt; Budgeting for Your Home Purchase & Getting Pre-Qualified or Approved – addresses contracts, applications, predatory lending and insurance; and Minor Repair & Maintenance of your Home or Apartment - which covers basic repairs and upkeep.

The goal of the workshops, which are taught by a team of seasoned professionals, is designed to provide participants with comprehensive training in debt management while placing them on a managed savings program in an effort to help them secure prequalification for a low-interest rate loan. In addition, participants received home maintenance training and are able to network with housing professionals. Each graduate receives a certificate upon completion. “This program helps get them into a home in a structured and safe manner that ensures success,” states Mr. Devonish.

Bedford Central Community Development Corporation (BCCDC) is a non-profit agency that aspires to strengthen the lower and middle income populations in the Central Brooklyn areas. This specific population continues to endure tremendous adversities and often lack the resource and opportunities afforded to more affluent New York neighborhoods. Bedford Central Community Development Corporation recognizes the importance of empowering these neighborhoods in the hopes of fueling the local economy and fostering relationships within the community, participants of (BCCDC) programs and funders. (BCCDC) aims to combat the stereotypical phenomenon by assisting individuals with tangible assistance on realizing their dreams and ultimately living to their fullest potential.

Photo Caption – Left to Right – Josh Lockwood, Executive Director, New York City Habitat for Humanities(left) and Rodheyse Bichotte, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Alumnae Chapter (right) congratulate a 2008 Home Buyer Graduate.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009




They turned a vacant lot into an edible Eden that provides freshly grown food to thousands of needy Brooklynites.

But the Brooklyn Rescue Mission, an emergency food pantry in Bedford-Stuyvesant, could lose half of Bed-Stuy Farm - its 5,000-square-foot facility on a long-neglected lot - if plans go through to build on it.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009




Retired NYPD Sgt. Dexter Brown, a former undercover cop supervising a buy and bust operation in Bedford Stuyvesant over 11 years ago, recently was rewarded $3.25 million damage for being shot in the back by one of his men. The detective, Luis Lopez, who fatally shot another suspect, denied any wrong doing.
RHEMA TEMPLE MINISTRIES TO SHUT ITS DOORS

NEW YORK, July 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In light of the current financial crisis, not-for-profits like Rhema Temple Ministries are finding it hard to stay afloat. "These are trying times," says Program Director Olivia Jackson. "People just don't have it to give, and as a result, we are finding it more difficult to meet the needs of the community who desperately need our services."
Rhema Temple Ministries is a 501 c3 Public Charity located in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant Brooklyn. They provide job training, food, clothing and shelter to the homeless, child advocacy services and assistance to formerly incarcerated citizens of their community. "We have reached out to local politicians to no avail. As a result of budget cuts, there has been a freeze on philanthropic giving. We are afraid we might have to shut our doors on the people who need our services the most, the children."