Brownsville Community Justice Center: September 2016

Thursday, September 29, 2016

BLP where YOUTH succeeds with optimism and unity!

The Brownsville Leadership Project hosted an action packed spirit week to kick off Fall 2016 programming. Spirit week consisted of an open house on Monday 9/26, game night on 9/27 and movie night on 9/28. Brownsville residents enjoyed refreshments and fun while learning about Brownsville Community Justice Center's mission and program opportunities. Eligible participants were able to sign up for our music, visual arts, and community benefits internships. The main goal of spirit week was to promote a sense of community across the entire Brownsville neighborhood. Check out some of the highlights below!

Spirit Week flyer created by the talented Nick Pilarski

Felicia Henry enrolling a participant in the Brownsville Youth Court.

Archie and Marquis planning out visuals for Sounds of Brownsville during open house.

Liz and Jocelyn play Mancala during Game Night at Howard Houses.

U-N-O!

Diamond Davis showing us the latest snapchat filter!

Ashley Johnson and youth participants play 2K

Movie Night at Howard

Thank you to everyone who made spirit week a success. Special thanks to Irijah Stennett , Jason Higgins, and Erica Mateo for allowing us to utilize space for the different events. Big shout out to Felicia Henry and Tiara McLaughlin for coordinating BLP's spirit week.

Girls just want to have FUN!

The Brownsville Girls Collaborative is an intensive leadership development program for youth girls ages 15-18 & 19-24. The program focuses on holistic empowerment of the mind, body & soul. Through this program, youth girls have access to paid internships, mentorship, academic support and leadership development opportunities. In September, BCJC decided to host a week long mobile Girls on the Go series in an effort to engage more young ladies in programming. Girls on the Go presented a mini snapshot of sisterhood circles in Van Dyke, Tilden, Marcus Garvey and Howard community centers. Check out some of the highlights below!

Jasmine Bowie giving overview of Girls on the Go's mission .

Young ladies at Howard discussing what makes them magical.

BCJC participant explaining why sisterhood is so important.

At the end of the week we hosted an orientation for young ladies who previously applied for BGC as well as those who were interested in applying. The orientation was packed with young ladies from various parts of the neighborhood who were both eager and nervous to begin this new journey. During orientation we discussed rites of passage, sisterhood and the mission/expectations of Brownsville Girls Collaborative. The young ladies also able met with the teaching artists from the dj and digital media internships.

Young ladies filling out applications for BGC 2016-2017 cohort.

Girls on the go was a successful week and we look forward to the retreat on October 22nd! BCJC would like to thank everyone who made Girls on the Go a success and a special thank you to Ms. Angela Johnson (Van Dyke), Althea Hickson (Tilden), Erica Mateo (Marcus Garvey Clubhouse), Irijah Stennett and Jason Higgins (Howard Houses). For more information on Brownsville Girls Collaborative please reach out to Alanah at 347-404-9587or tmclaughli@nycourts.gov

Friday, September 16, 2016

Brownsville Leadership Project Summer Institute

All Summer 16

Brownsville Leadership Project's Summer Institute engaged 40 participants in a 6 week intensive centered around team-building workshops and internships. The workshops covered youth activism, political education, violence, relationships, and community organizing. BCJC partnered up with Dance Theater Etc. to provide internships such as dance, videography, music and media.

BCJC Participants Adrian and Shamaeul edit their PSA's with help from Erin from Dance Theater Etc.

Participants tackle the first ice breaker on Day 1!

Participants work on their skits for the live performance!

"So you think you can dance"? Participants in the dance internship review different techniques for their concept video.

Participants admiring artwork at the Brooklyn Museum. Hello Felicia say cheese!

Sounds of Brownsville participants laying down tracks in the studio.

Graduation Day!

Summer Institute graduation was held on Thursday August 11,2016 at 3 Black Cats Café. Participants were able to perform and debut the projects they worked on all summer. Graduation also included special surprises and awards for those who went above and beyond throughout the entire summer. A few tears were shed as we bid adieu to our intern Donessia Sandy and Youth and Community Programs Coordinator Elisa 'Beth Bernard. BCJC wishes them great luck in all of their future endeavors.

BCJC is now accepting applications for fall programming. For more information please contact Alanah at 347-404-9587.

"The Pop Out"

On Thursday September 1st, 2016 the Brownsville Community Justice Center's music group Sounds of Brownsville collaborated with some of NYC's top streetwear brands to host a back to school pop-up shop titled "The Pop-Out." The event took place at 3 Black Cats Café, a new local business that "doubles as a community center" and café. The event included school supply giveaways, raffle tickets, shopping, refreshments and networking. The Pop-Out ended with the debut of the latest two Sounds of Brownsville music videos as well as a live performance from BCJC participants. Check out some highlights of the event below!

JahBass and Orie-Yo on set of their music video with Director Sage.

Space Rich prepping their table.

Participants designing the dessert table.

Michael Cherry's clothing was in attendance.

Paint Soul was also in attendance.

Preparation.

"Racks on racks on racks"

Delicious treats from 3 Black Cats

Trinity and Angelica sporting their matching tee's that they purchased at "The Pop-Out."

BCJC would like to thank everyone who made the event a success! A special thank you to

For more information regarding Sounds of Brownsville please contact Tiara McLaughlin at tmclaughli@#nycourts.gov