Weeksville: An African-American Community Established in the 1800s

The City Concealed: Weeksville from Thirteen.org on Vimeo.
The Hunterfly Road Houses of Weeksville are the discovered remnants of a free African-American enclave of urban trasdespeople and property owners. The community provided safety for fugitive slaves and those later fleeing the Civil War draft riots of lower Manhattan. By the time of the Emancipation Proclamation, Weeksville was a thriving area with its own doctors, teachers, publishers, and social services.

The Houses help fill a historical gap between slavery and the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The Weeksville staff clearly promote the idea of a successful African-American project that can be remembered with pride.

The discussion of Weeksville’s place within an always changing, mostly African-American neighborhood might forget the fact that it is, for everyone, a fascinating piece of American history with an equally amazing story of that history’s rediscovery.

-Bijan Rezvani, producer

Heightser Links

 

Crown Heights residents angered by armory plan
Suspect Named in Fatal Shooting of Crown Heights Teen
Crown Heights School To Get New Playground

Eastern Parkway

 

The leaves on Eastern Parkway

It’s been a while since the last post; I have been traveling all over the world.

I am back!

I have returned!

Much has happened since I left, including an election, a grand jury, rents going up, and (what it seems like) crime going down.

The media can project and claim that there is some kindoff conflict here. We know, however, that this is one great neighborhood to be found in.Only us local 3 components in our neighborhood, (Hebrews African Americans and Hipsters), know what really goes on. So kudos to us all for weathering any storm and we are looking toward a bright future.

Brower Park Free Concerts

As it does every year, Brower Park is offering of a series of free City Parks Concerts. In past years, the series has featured past and present stars of hip-hop, reggae, Latin, Caribbean and folks musical styles. On July 9 rap icons Brand Nubian took the stage, and on July 16th, Queens natives and twin sisters Natalie and Nicole Albino, known as Nina Sky, performed (as shown in these images). The pair earlier authored the hit song "Move Ya Body." Known primarily for her collaborations with Brooklyn native Talib Kweli and hip-hop Grammy winners The Roots, Bahamadia is slated to headline on July 23.

-- Written and photographed by Brian Major

Ten Months Later at 1087 Prospect Place

The four-story brick double duplex at 1087 Prospect Place just East of the Kingston Avenue border of the Crown Heights' historic district opened for viewing in September 2007 (see earlier post) and sold in February 2008. The house was originally listed at $849,000, and sold at $798,000, according to information found on Zillow.com. Built in 1901, the house totals 3,600 square feet. A discussion with the owner revealed he will rent one duplex to three single renters and will occupy the other duplex along with his wife and child. He's in the midst of a complete interior renovation, including new walls, wiring and electrical. The home is on a tree-lined model block created in the 1960s with special street lights, sidewalks and traffic-calming bumps. The house is one block from the Brooklyn Children's Museum, in the midst of a multi-million dollar renovation and a five-block walk from either the #3 or C trains.

Written and photographed by Brian Major

100K Co-op On Kingston Ave!

I gather that this Co-op should be off the market soon. After the down payment the buyer would be paying about $625 a month plus about $400 in maintenance fees. I think this is a pretty good deal and if you would like to own something in the neighborhood this is a great way to get your foot in the door. I understand that there has been allot of buying and selling in this building. Can anyone enlighten me as to the condition and overall safety to this building?

Year built: 1923

446 Kingston Ave
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