Bed-Vyne Brew, a cherished Black-owned bar in Bedford Stuyvesant, closed its doors on May 31, 2025, after 12 years of operation. On its final night, patrons expressed their sadness, emphasizing the bar's role in fostering community and connection. Many questioned the implications of its closure for Black spaces in Brooklyn, while co-owner Michael Brooks cited increased pressure from city agencies after a police precinct leadership change as a contributing factor. Overall, the bar's closing highlights a significant loss for the community it served for over a decade.
"Where do we go as Black people, we all come from every borough, every neighborhood in Brooklyn. With a lot of these places closing, where do we go now," said Marc Jean.
"There's a sense of belonging here that you don't get everywhere," she said, reflecting on the unique community provided by Bed-Vyne Brew.
"They weaponized as many agencies as they could against us," Brooks said, noting the pressure faced after the leadership changed at the 79th Police Precinct.
Bed-Vyne Brew was a beloved gathering place that fostered community, and its closure leaves a significant void in Bedford Stuyvesant's Black community.
Collection
[
|
...
]