Coming Home to Bed-Stuy
Briefly

On clear autumn days, crispy auburn-edged leaves are trembling along the lacy skyline of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The Victorian and Neo-Baroque architectural markers of the neighborhood's brownstones and cultural mainstays are easy to spot stained-glass windows, an iconic magnolia tree, a park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, murals and conical spires. Each of these elements not only adorns the area but also speaks to its rich cultural and historical significance.
The Brownstoners of Bedford-Stuyvesant, a volunteer organization with an enduring legacy of showcasing Brooklyn living, was founded in the late 1970s to encourage Black Americans from the South and the Caribbean, who had left the community, to come home. This initiative highlights the community's commitment to protecting and promoting Black homeownership and heritage.
Every third Saturday in October for 46 years, the Brownstoners of Bedford-Stuyvesant hold their signature event, the Annual House Tour. Attendees, like Chris Fox, appreciate the blend of modern renovations and restored historical elements, celebrating both the aesthetic and cultural legacy of the neighborhood.
From the eastern edge of Bed-Stuy to the tree-lined blocks of Hancock Street, the style and care for the Black family home is on display. The collection of coffee table books found in almost every home reflects a shared narrative of identity, creativity, and cultural pride within the community.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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