Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation

Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation is a community development organization founded in 1967 by Robert F. Kennedy, Jacob Javits, and Thomas R. Jones to revitalize the Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn neighborhood. The organization's establishment was a response to the 1964 New York City riot and the 1965 Watts riots, with the goal of addressing poverty and inequality in New York City. The corporation's founding was also influenced by the Great Society programs of President Lyndon B. Johnson, including the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and the Model Cities Program. The organization has worked with various partners, including New York City Housing Authority, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

● History

The Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation was established in 1967, with Frank Thomas as its first president, and has since become a model for community development organizations across the United States. The organization's early efforts focused on housing rehabilitation and community organizing, with support from Ford Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, and Rockefeller Foundation. The corporation's work was also influenced by the Civil Rights Movement, with leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X advocating for social justice and economic empowerment in African American communities. The organization has also collaborated with other community development organizations, including Local Initiatives Support Corporation and Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation.

● Mission and Programs

The Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation's mission is to community development and economic empowerment in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The organization's programs include housing development, job training, and small business development, with a focus on sustainability and environmental justice. The corporation has also partnered with New York City Department of Education and City University of New York to provide education and job training programs for youth and adults. The organization's work is guided by the principles of community engagement and participatory planning, with input from residents, business owners, and community leaders such as Al Sharpton and Charles Rangel.

● Community Development

The Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation has played a key role in community development efforts in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, with a focus on housing development, commercial development, and community facilities. The organization has worked with New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to develop parks and open spaces, and with New York City Department of Transportation to improve transportation infrastructure. The corporation has also collaborated with Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Academy of Music to promote arts and culture in the community. The organization's community development efforts have been recognized by National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials and Urban Land Institute.

● Arts and Culture

The Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation has a strong commitment to arts and culture, with programs and initiatives that promote cultural heritage and creative expression. The organization has partnered with Brooklyn Arts Council and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs to support local artists and cultural organizations. The corporation has also worked with Apollo Theater and National Black Theatre to promote African American arts and culture. The organization's arts and culture programs have been recognized by National Endowment for the Arts and New York State Council on the Arts.

● Economic Development

The Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation has a range of economic development programs and initiatives, including small business development, job training, and workforce development. The organization has partnered with New York City Department of Small Business Services and United States Small Business Administration to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. The corporation has also worked with Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and New York City Economic Development Corporation to promote economic growth and job creation in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The organization's economic development efforts have been recognized by National Association of Counties and International Economic Development Council.

● Impact and Legacy

The Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation has had a significant impact on the Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn community, with a legacy of community development and economic empowerment. The organization's work has been recognized by President Barack Obama and Mayor Bill de Blasio, and has served as a model for community development organizations across the United States. The corporation's commitment to social justice and economic equality has also inspired a new generation of community leaders and activists, including Angela Davis and Cornel West. The organization's legacy continues to be felt in New York City and beyond, with a lasting impact on community development and economic empowerment efforts. Category:Community development organizations in the United States