Building Black Bedstuy 2022 Fundraising

The Building Black Bed Stuy Committee was formed in 2020 as response to stagnant growth when it comes to accumulating black wealth and gentrification in our neighborhoods. We are a committee of black women who feel a personal connection to and a passion for preserving the rich history of Bed Stuy. We don't want that history and cultural significance to be erased. The worldwide covid pandemic has only amplified the disparities that our black and brown communities face and we want to take an active role in moving them forward. So in 2020, at the peak of a series of tumultuous times and events in history we came to action.

Building Black Bed Stuy believes that black liberation is key on the journey to self sufficiency within our community. Creating resources for building generational wealth gives us power and independence. Building Black Bedstuy aims to amplify that message.

Our mission is to protect, preserve, and liberate the black community within Bed Stuy and beyond. We do this by helping to provide financial aid to existing businesses and organizations in need within black communities. By investing in them, we help to uplift the black community and we can start to build economic power.

For round one in 2020 we raised 75k in total funds for three businesses - Life Wellness, The Watoto Free School, and The Black Power Blueprint. In 2021, For round two we asked asked our community to nominate three local businesses that uphold the mission we aim to preserve. Again, our community showed great support and we were able to raise 75 k for Little Sun People and The Bed-Stuy Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

We are starting our process late this year but we still believe that it is important to continue our mission despite that. So for this 3rd round in 2022, we are looking to raise 30k in order to give 10k to three local businesses: Buy Better Foods, Brooklyn Packers, and Bedstuy Art House. Any additional funds raised over that goal Will enable us to potentially give smaller 2k awards to other nominated businesses. So the more money we raise, the more of an impact that we will have to be able to help shape and support the futures of black businesses and organizations in our community.

Those selected for awards have a strong and strategic ties to the community and offer products, services, and resources in areas where they are not readily available and they may also be financially struggling or in need of additional funds to increase their impact or scope of programs offered.

Brooklyn Packers is a Black and Brown led worker owned food produce coop based in Bedstuy. They source and sell locally grown produce goods from POC and LGBTQIA farmers in the North East. Bedstuy Art House is a open space that allows community members and creatives of all types to be able to showcase their work and host events in an affordable way open to everyone. Buy Better Foods is a small grocer that offers healthy and organic food options as well as focusing on selling locally owned black owned food and health and wellness products. Please join us in our mission to support these integral businesses and move our community forward.