Halloween Walk 2013!

Afrikan Zion Organic Roots Farm

Sis. Imani & Ras Obadiah
 

I am an August baby so I definitely love the heat of summer.  However, I absolutely love the beauty and the energy that autumn brings.  Last Sunday, I took my usual stroll, entering Prospect Park through the Parkside Ave. entrance taking our son, Sage to the Imagination Playground.  On the way there I was intrigued by an African American flag flying near a haystack showcasing painted pumpkins.

 

 

Sage began to squeal with delight, pointing frantically and yelling, “Apoo!” letting me know that there were apples in sight.  As we approached the farm stand, Sage grabbed an apple and took a bite.  So much for washing, peeling and cutting the fruit.  The couple at the stand gave a warm smile and handed him another, “apoo.” The lovely couple, Ras Obadiah and Sis. Imani bring farm fresh, organic produce to Prospect Park.  They travel directly from Vermont every Sunday morning through November.  Their harvest includes seasonal squash, potatoes, string beans, root vegetables, herbs, tomatoes, carrots and a seasonal mélange of other hearty crops.   Ras Obadiah engaged us in great conversation sharing the history behind his, Afrikan Zion Organic Roots Farm.

 

 

 

Some 30 years ago, Ras Obadiah left the concrete jungle of New York City for the verdant forests of Vermont.  Despite its urban splendor, Ras Obadiah explained the urge that he felt to leave New York and experience the sustainability of farming.  His passion for understanding the rich cultural history of the African American plantation experience brought him to the notable Daisy Jessica Turner’s homestead in Grafton, Vermont.  The daughter of former slaves, Daisy JessicaTurner was a storyteller and civil rights activist who kept her family story alive through oral tradition.  Ras Obadiah had the privilege of learning how to farm under her instruction.  He was Turner’s agricultural apprentice until she passed away at the glorious age of 104.

Whether it is to puree food for your baby or feed your whole family, farm fresh foods are about as good as it gets these days in the urban jungle.  With last week’s $10 stock of apples I made two apple pies, 2 jars of apple sauce, apple pancakes and apple cinnamon oatmeal.  I will be headed later for, “A Grass Roots Connection to the Organic Revolution,” to see what Ras Obadiah and Sis. Imani have in store.  It’s worth a trip to Brooklyn to enjoy the day.  Enter at the Parkside Avenue entrance to Prospect Park and, African Zion Organic Roots Farm, is planted next to the Drummers Grove.  Bring the family, enjoy the drumming, get your produce, visit the playground, and stroll through the foliage.  I will see you at Afrikan Zion Organic Roots Farm.  (Sundays  12pm-8pm now through November 2013)

For more information:

afrikanzion@gmail.com         H: (802)896-3443 or C: (802)579-0579

Check out more about Brooklyn’s CSAs (Community SupportedAgriculture)

Creating Legacies Family Day at the Prospect Park Zoo

Last Sunday, October 13, 2013 Creating Legacies enjoyed Family Day at the Prospect Park Zoo.  The beautiful autumn afternoon began with an exclusive visit to the Discovery Center.  The educational specialist, Delilah and our special guest, Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo led the children in an animal encounter with the resident rabbit. The Discovery Center’s play space ignited children’s imaginations to build a fire at the whimsical campsite and perform veterinary check-ups on animal puppets.  Following exciting interaction with children and adults, the little naturalists watched the Sea Lion feeding at the epicenter of the zoo.  Before running off to feed the farm animals, each child refueled with a snack bag including Happy Family Brands organicsuperfoods.   NYS Assemblyman Karim Camara shared in the day with his two children.  Creating Legacies thanks him for sponsoring the event so that families could participate at no cost to them.

 

Play for Peace at Parkside Playground Wednesday



Happy harvest season Creating Legacies fam.  I hope that autumn is ushering in amazing blessings for you and yours.  It seems that we have some sunny days left and some warm afternoons with painted sunsets.

This Wednesday, October 9^th come out for, “A Celebration of Peace, Play and Community.”  From 4:00-7:00pm take a stand with community residents for peace in our local, Parkside Playground atP.S. 92 (between Bedford and Rogers Ave – enter on Winthrop St.).  Rain Date: October 10, 2013

I grew up in Lefferts Gardens and had the opportunity to hang with friends at the P.S. 92 playground after de-boarding our cheese bus when school let out.  Back then, it was a basic concrete jungle park with basketball rims missing the nets.

Council Member Eugene allocated $2.45 million dollars collaboratively with Mayor Bloomberg’s $517,000 for a completely new playground which celebrated its ribbon cutting in September, 2011.  The Playground at P.S. 92 now boasts new basketball courts, play equipment, swings, painted games, a custom designed spray sculpture and a seating area for parents and seniors complete with game tables.  The space seems wonderful at first glance, but area gun violence keeps families at bay.  My, how things change and how things stay the same.  Unfortunately the violence of yesteryear still rears its ugly head.

The organizers of, “A Celebration of Peace, Play andCommunity” invite you to come out with your families, bring some food, a jump rope, play some ball and meet other community residents, standing united against gun violence in the community.

Creating Legacies Family Day @ The Prospect Park Zoo

Flatbush Artists Unleash Creative Genius

 

 

 

A burgeoning community, Flatbush has a flavorful mélange of culture expressed through the work of many local artisans.  Lindiwe Kamau of Expression in Ceramics and I created, “The Flatbush Artrepreneur Project,” to provide a sphere of creativity where community artisans are inspired to become entrepreneurs.

Creating Legacies partnered with, The Flatbush Enterprise and the Nostrand Avenue Merchants Association to present this powerful experience.  Last week completed the 3 part workshop series where we journeyed with the creative genius of architects, photographers, spoken word artists, actors and painters among other artisans.

In this creative and engaging workshop series, “The Flatbush Artrepreneur Project,” artists were empowered to identify their artistic medium, develop a business using their craft and network with other artisans. While I facilitated the workshops, several gifted and talented guests graced the audience with their knowledge and inspired them with their experience.

 

Elzora Williamson, founder and owner of 47 year retail institution, Trophies by Syl, empowered the group to define success and pursue their passion.

Hip hop artist, photographer and videographer BLUE, of,Urban Overdose Photography, shared his knowledge about brand management and trade marking. 

Educator, actor, filmmaker and motivational speaker, Eden Marryshow motivated the artists with his, “Dream Big, Go Hard!” experience to get energized, enthused and confident about executing their artistic vision through entrepreneurship.


Tax preparer and Enroll Agent, Woody Raymond of, Ultimate Tax Preparers, Inc. taught the artrepreneurs about the process of business formation

I am grateful to have experienced, “The Flatbush Artrepreneur Project” with so many of Brooklyn’s creative, emerging artists.  We look forward reconvening for a fabulous culmination ceremony to celebrate and showcase the artists in progress.  Many thanks to, The Brooklyn Public Library - CentralBranch, for hosting us. The Flatbush Enterprise extends our sincere appreciation to, Citizens Committee forNew York City for making this program possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KUU Photography: MARRIAGE is...



Floyd & Odell married 70 years

Angelo & Jennifer 13 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sabrina Thompson, designer, educator, and visual artist has taken my breath away with her photo story, “MARRIAGE is…”  This Southern Belle to Brooklyn Belle sister was inspired to use her gift of photography to capture couples celebrating over 9 years of marriage.  While the media tells us the average marriage fails after 8.8 years, Sabrina illustrates steadfast marriages with images of married couples, widows and widowers who prove that, “Love never fails…”  1 Corinthians 13:8.  I am encouraged, enlightened and spirited by the essence of this photo journal and I know that you will be too.  Please share the link everyone you know.  Let’s help Sabrina and her company KUU Photography flood cyberspace with LOVE.

HOW DO I SEE THE PHOTO CAMPAIGN?

VIDEO:

Click on this link:

http://vimeo.com/kuuphoto/marriage

 

 

"The Flatbush Artrepreneur Project" today @ 6:30pm

VOTE today!

 



 
 
 

Good morning Creating Legacies family!  Today is the NYC Primary Election 2013.  Make a quick stop at your local poll and vote.  Whether you were born and raised in your community or just calling it home for a moment, make sure that your voice is heard.  I know that there was some confusion during the last election.

Here is the link for the NYC Board of Elections website for poll site information:

http://www.vote.nyc.ny.us/html/voters/where.shtml

or click on the photo for information

 

I want to see you smile!

Youth Fest 2013: FREE Stay in School Concert Friday August 30, 2013

Friday August 30, 2013

 

11:00-3:30pm

STAY IN SCHOOL YOUTH FEST CONCERT

FREE Admission

Location

Brooklyn Museum Parking Lot

200 Eastern Parkway and Washington Avenue

Brooklyn, NY

This event will feature some of New York's emerging talented teens.

Singers, rappers, dancers, step teams, marching bands, spoken word, and more...

Hot97's very own DJ Young Chow, and a surprise celebrity guest!  Hope to see you there.

 

For more information contact :

Valerie McLeod-Katz
Coordinator  WIADCA  STAY IN SCHOOL YOUTH FEST (347-405-2756)
 
Nia Taylor
C.E.O  of NY.Coming (347-678-8523)

Jace Yzaguirre
NY.Coming Intern (347-744-4979)

 

A Conversation about Immigration

For many of us, immigration has shaped our history, and influences who we are individually and collectively.  Creating Legacies families gathered on Saturday, August 24, 2013 for A Community Conversation about Immigration to read an excerpt of Lyndon B. Johnson’s, "Remarks about the Signing of the 1965 Immigration Bill."  We talked about the ways immigration continues to shape the experience of being American today.  We look forward to more intergenerational community conversations in the months to come and hope that you will join us.

This program was made possible by the NYC Council for the Humanities.

The New York Aquarium: Pay-What-You-Wish Friday Afternoons

The New York Aquarium has reopened after surviving Superstorm Sandy.  Thanks to the incredible staff and hosts of volunteers, many of the animals have been protected and cared for in the midst of the tragedy.  Enjoy summer’s Friday afternoons from 4:00-6:00 pm pay-what-you-wish donation.  Every dollar spent at The New York Aquarium supports the facility as it rebuilds and transforms. Recommended donation is $5 per person.

The New York Aquarium is located at Surf Avenue and West 8^th Street Brooklyn, NY 11224

 

 

 

Doc McStuffins Mobile comes to Times Square August 21, 2013

 

 

 

Monday's "Mompreneur" Khinky.com

Monday’s  “Mompreneur”

 

Khinky.com: Tamara D. Murad

 

Pregnancy and childbirth has many glorious moments, but we all know that some moments are not so glamorous.  While many women’s crown and glory appears fuller and healthier during pregnancy, many suffer hair loss after the birth of a baby.  Especially for the naturalistas out there, it is not uncommon to experience thinning hairlines and the loss of locks. Khinky.com, creative director, founder and fabulous mom, Tamara D. Murad crafts human hair dreadlock extensions and wefted human hair afros.  Tamara’s company, Khinky.com is a one stop shop for rare human hair finds for African American women seeking to protect and enhance their dread locks and natural hair.

 

 

Tamara has always been committed to maintaining natural hair, at times wearing weaves and dreadlock extensions to preserve the health of her tresses.  After the birth of her son, Tamara experienced significant loss around her hairline.  While she began a scalp treatment regimen and continued taking folic acid vitamins it became clear that she wanted quality textured human hair to compliment her own.  Tamara, a new mom, both fabulous and forward thinking created this human hair line to maintain her own khinky chic style and created a brand to support her family through entrepreneurship.

Creating Legacies celebrates this inspiring “mompreneur”

Tamara D. Murad

Creative director & founder

Khinky.com

 

 

 

 

 

"The Flatbush Artrepreneur Project"

 



FREE Summer Discovery Tuesdays at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Enjoy FREE admission to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden on Tuesdays 8am-6pm.  Bring the little legacies to FREE family workshops in the Fragrance Garden from 10am-12noon.

 

Children learn about plants and animals at hands on discovery stations.

 

 

Relax on the Cherry Blossom Esplanade after a morning of educational nature activities.

 

It promises to be a fun and refreshing time for adults and children alike.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is located at:
150 Eastern Parkway
455 Flatbush Avenue
990 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225