State Senator James Saunders Hosts Breakfast with Pastor Floyd Flake

Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake Speaks at Clergy Breakfast

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village) hosted a Community Clergy Breakfast on May 29 at New Haven Ministries in Jamaica, featuring special guest speaker the Rev. Floyd H. Flake, pastor of Greater Allen AME Cathedral, who shared his expertise on economic development and expanding one's church and congregation.

"Church is not merely what you do on Sunday morning," Rev. Flake said. "It is an understanding that everything that surrounds the church, that is a part of the church, is part of the community. You have a responsibility to help and make changes so that it is a better place for people to live."

During Rev. Flake's years with Greater Allen AME, its congregation has grown to 23,000 members and it is ranked as one of the nation’s top faith-based and urban development institutions. Allen oversees large commercial and residential properties, a 750-student private school and various business and social service enterprises. It is also one of the largest private sector job providers in Queens. In addition to his work with the church, Rev. Flake served as Congress Member for the 6th District in Queens from 1986 to 1997.

"This is not just a clergy breakfast, this is a training session," Senator Sanders said. "If a man is able to be blessed to build an incredible institution, as the Rev. Floyd Flake has done, then we should not let him walk out the door without asking him some questions and learning his secrets to success."

Senator Sanders holds a Community Clergy Breakfast once a month, bringing together faith-based leaders of different denominations from across the district to share information and discuss ways they can help their congregations, each time highlighting a new topic of importance for the faith-based community.

State Senator James Saunders (left) Rev. Floyd Flake (right)

Rev. Floyd Flake probably one of the greatest Pastors of community development in US history. He doesn't just talk about proselyting, going to heaven, and castigating people with a holier than thou attitude. He actually helps people change their community for the better now.

About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and business in this largely black historic community.

The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing!  To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here

Swing and Groove to Jazz in Southeast Queens

After the great support they received from patrons and residents in the community, at their last performance, "Tribute to the Jazz Legends of Queens," the Ed Jackson Quartet is poised to bring in some more jazz heat to the area.  Ed Jackson the founder of Jackson Room is dedicated to "bringing world class jazz back to our community."  

Jackson states '"it was such an honor & privilege to perform with the legendary George Cables who tore the house down. Again I want to sincerely thank patrons and residents in the community for their overwhelming support last month coming out to give "Tribute to the Jazz Legends of Queens."

Ed suggests that Jackson Room supporters and the community continue to move forward together in increasingly popular performances with further intensity?  In his next performance he aims to springboard off the last legends event. "We will be bringing more jazz heat especially now that warmer weather is beginning to embrace us" says Ed Jackson.

In the next performance Jackson plans to inspire supporters to move and groove to captivating and exhilarating entertainment.  The Quartet's music is riveting so why don't you plan and come on out

Saturday, May 30th, 2015 for "Swing & Groove with the Ed Jackson Quartet."

Meet Jackson and the quartet this Saturday and enjoy what promises to be an invigorating performance. According to Jackson "this event will inspire you to move and groove to intoxicating jazz interpretations."

His outstanding cadre of talented performers for the night will be:

Carlton Holmes - Piano

Marcus Mclaurine - Bass

George Schuller - Drums

Yours Truly, Ed Jackson - Sax

Don't miss this upbeat rejuvenating performance.  Well what are you waiting for? Why don't you book your Reservation?                                                                                                                                                           

" Swing & Groove with the Ed Jackson Quartet" 

Saturday, May 30th, 2015

2 Shows: 8:00 & 10:00

  

Cover: $15.00  (includes 8:00 show & 10:00 show) 

  

Free Healthy Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments

  

Make a Reservation 

Or 

Make a  telephone reservation (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm)

by calling: (718) 525-2387

About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and business in this largely black historic community.

The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing!  To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here 

  

Terryl Ebony and Women Authors Honored in St. Albans

Highly respected author and youth community activist Terryl Ebony, was honored along with 11 other women for being authors at Thomasina's, May 16th, 2015.  Ms. Ebony is the author of "Losing Love, Having Faith, & Finding Hope." Terryl is also a tireless advocate for young people and runs the Misunderstood Youth Development Center (MYDC) program in Queens.  She is a great resource for the Southeast Queens Scoop.

The program was put on by State Senator Leroy Comrie and hosted by Adrienne Adams.  The event was put on "in celebration of Mother's Day."

Ms. Ebony expressed her appreciation by stating "It was an honor to be in such great company and amongst other esteemed women writers and entrepreneurs."

Other women authors honored were: Beverly Burchett, Toni Coleman Brown, Delicia Davis, Eva Duzant, Rev. Simone Lord, Melissa E. Morgan, Julia Shaw, Rosanna Small Morgan, Vicki Schneps, Ashley Taylor, and Faye Thompson. 

Event at Thomasina's Honors Women

Ms. Ebony with Senator Leroy Comrie

A Touching Moment Terryl Ebony Reads the
Poem "Side by Side" to her Mother from
her book "Losing Love, Having Faith, & Finding Hope"

About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and business in this largely black historic community.

The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing!  To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here

Do You Know Your Southeast Queens Neighbors?

Kamau's Kultural Corner



Southeast Queens has had some great and super successful residents. Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson, James Brown, WEB Dubois, Babe Ruth, and the list goings on and on.

You could be living next door to a future or living legend in our community and not even know it. So it is important to cut off the cable TV or Internet sometime and get out and meet or greet neighbors.  You may be surprised at the caliber of person you meet in Southeast Queens.

If I had the authority to add commandments to the 10 Commandments the 12th one would be "Know Thy Neighbor." My 11th Commandment "Love Thy Sista" is a topic for another day. I think we should learn from history and add to our religious and spiritual narratives.

When I was growing up in my community most of the people on the block knew each other. The block's children usually played together and even protected each other. I would often hear people in my youth say something like "don't mess with that guy he's from that tough block. They stick together."

Today people really have very little interaction beyond their personal household on the block. The kids have selected play dates these days and you need an appointment and to be screened by neighbors for kids to play with each other these days. Play dates?

What the hell was a play date back in the day? You just went outside and played. We're so reluctant to interact with other people in the hood we don't know in NYC at least. I hope this isn't the case everywhere.

With the rise of the Internet, social media, and mobile apps I fear we are spending far too much time with virtual friends than people in our community and neighborhoods. My new digital publication the Southeast Queens Scoop is forcing me to get out and meet people in the area.

Last week I decided to bypass Amazon, and went to buy a cell phone from a local merchant. Unbelievably, I found out this cell phone dealer had a doctorate in psychology with a passion to help abused children and women. Also he had high tech equipment in his store that helped children with ADD, ADHD, and autism without drugs.

In other words he was an excellent person to know to help me with my daughter's issues. Also I got him to consider hosting group meetings for parents with autistic children in our neighborhood since all these meetings tend to happen on the "other side of town" - if you know what I mean. But I would have never meet him without venturing out to meet people in the area.

At other meetings I was asked to volunteer with economic development and become a director of a nonprofit. All within a weeks time. At a celebration of jazz legends in my community I met a NY State Senator who's been reading my community news and events site. Plus as my daughter and I were listening to jazz a nice gentleman asked us if we wanted to share some of his fried chicken.

I haven't had fried chicken in months and didn't want to offend the gentleman so I ate some of his fried chicken and thanked him. We began to talk about all the great jazz talent who came or lived at one time in our community like Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Fat's Waller, Mercedes Ellington, Lena Horne, and many more the lists keeps on going.

It was obvious this gentleman was someone who really knew jazz history in the area and someone I should know. I asked the gentlemen "for his card if he had one." Guess what? He turned out to be a Judge.

In other words - you could be missing out on important connections.

Word to the wise. Step out of your enclaves, off the Internet, and your comfort zones more often and - Know thy Neighbor! Dig for treasure in your own community - you may strike gold.

About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and business in this largely black historic community.

The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing!  To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here

Rise Southeast Queens the NEW Black Cultural Center of NYC

Kamau's Kultural Corner

With heavy gentrification taking place in both Harlem, and even Central Brooklyn, can I make the argument that Southeast Queens is becoming the new epicenter of Black Culture in NYC - by default? Don't giggle I'm serious.

Although Harlem and Central Brooklyn have been traditionally considered the most celebrated and venerated areas in NYC for Black culture and even community empowerment these neighborhoods are becoming lighter in hue. Therefore, I feel Southeast Queens, is gradually becoming the default cultural center for Blacks in NYC?  It has rich cultural history and may be the last bastion of empowering Black cultural ethos in the NYC area.

With the the formation of Jamaica Now's 21 point program it's obvious money is going to be pumped into the area.  However, will the traditional Black community in the area benefit from the cash infusions or will we be largely on the outside looking in like Blacks in Harlem and Central Brooklyn.  Blacks in these neighborhoods are increasingly being reduced to hapless consumers and renters to outside interests.  Even worst they are being displaced by housing with stratospheric rents.

With Harlem looking like the upper west side of Manhattan, and Brooklyn increasingly like Williamsburg or downtown Manhattan, this has even inspired tirades by successful celebrities like Spike Lee to cry foul with his infamous "Damn Hipsters" rant - these traditional cultural centers are being eroding in terms of Black cultural centrality.   

Southeast Queens, has some distinguished cultural roots and historic accomplishments. According to the US Census and reported in a 2006 article by the New York Times, the Southeast Queens area is the 1st in the nation where Black family income was higher than whites.  Here is a link to the article  

With the heavy investment in LIC and it's gentrification I don't know if Blacks in Queens still have a higher income.  However, Southeast Queens, was the 1st large county in the US where this was the case.  Also many high income earning Blacks have moved from Southeast Queens further out on Long Island to Elmont, Uniondale, etc.

These are Long Island communities now considered some of the most upscale Black communities in the country.  The average income of Black families in Elmont and Uniondale are more like $80,000 to $110,000 in contrast to the average Black household nationally at about $38,000.

Furthermore, some Southeast Queens churches like The Greater Allen Cathedral of New York, and St. Albans Congregational Church, have become national models on what is possible with viable mega churches working to revitalize the overall community with real estate and economic development.

Also last but not least there is another distinction with Southeast Queens. It is it is a microcosm of the diversity of Queens. According to Wikipedia, Queens, New York is the most ethnically diverse area in the world.

This by extension has developed into Southeast Queens also being a very diverse Black area as well.  Black residents in Southeast Queens come from the southern US, Africa, the Caribbean, and South America.  I feel this diversity contributes to the strength and resilience of Southeast Queens and Jamaica NYC.

Here is a synopsis are some of the important historic distinctions of the Southeast Queens area:

~ Historically The 1st large community where Black incomes surpassed whites in the surrounding area

~ The Home of Jazz Luminaries like - Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Fats Waller, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Mercedes Ellington, and many more lived in the area at one time. 

~ Civil Rights Icons, Politicans and Activists were residents - Colin Powell, Roy Wilkens, Guy Brewer, Sheila Lee Jackson,  John "Watusi" Branch, to just name a few  

~ Sports Legends lived in the Area - Jackie Robinson, Joe Louis, Floyd Patterson, Bob Cousy, Babe Ruth, Roy Campenella,   

~ Hip Hop Culture leaders and Moguls - 50 Cent, LL Cool J, Run DMC, Nikki Minaj, and Ja Rules, 

~ Top business leaders come from Queens - Russell Simmons, Daymond John (FUBU, Shark Tank), Donald Trump, Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake, and Richard Parsons

~ Cross Cultural interaction between a diverse spectrum of Blacks with southern roots, and also from Jamaica, West Indies, Haiti, Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. 

~ Ground Breaking Church and Community Economic Development in the Area

This is a truly profound legacy to have in the Southeast Queens area.  I hope it can go forward and develop into a great business and cultural hub in the NYC area.  I think the area is destined for greatness if we strategically do so with a visionary and viable economic plan.

We see increasing economic development
near the St. Albans, LIRR Station

I see some great plans for Southeast Queens with nonprofits and real estate developers. But what I think should happen further is for residents in the area to start a microfinance program for small business development and create cooperative retail spaces and incubators for small business for residents in the area.

Also I think nonprofits and the most viable churches should buy up property and especially commercial real estate in the area so the community owns it.  This approach as enacted by Abyssinian Baptist Church with it's investment corporation.

Savvy persons like Sheena Wright, the former head of Abyssinian's Development Corp, should be brought into the community discussion if possible to tap her expertise on community development now rather than later.

If area residents do considerable economic development now, especially on main business strips like Farmers Blvd and Linden Blvd, their property value will go up and they'll have a stronger position in the area when it goes more upscale.  We are beginning to see national chains like 7 Eleven and Dunkin Donuts move into the area near the Farmers Blvd and Linden Blvd intersection.  This is an ideal place to start development also because it is a few blocks from the St. Albans, Long Island Railroad connection.  It is around this point that I think gentrification will begin to happen because it is literally only 14 minutes from Manhattan on the LIRR.

I hope area residents can learn from the Black cultural debacle in both Harlem and Central Brooklyn.  I envision Southeast Queens, being an upscale community with lots of development and diversity.  However, I don't want to see long time residents displaced or the cultural significance of the community reduced to just a symbol of what it once was.

Kamau Austin, is the publisher of the Southeast Queens Scoop, and and activist entrepreneur with over 30 years experience in these fields. 

About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and business in this largely black historic community.

The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing!  To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here

Health Fair Aims to Bring True Wellness to Southeast Queens

Farmers Boulevard Community Development Corp's
Executive Director Isa Abdur-Rahman, Esq. 

Health is really the most essential form of wealth. Better health, wellness and fitness is an important goal to be reached by Southeast Queens residents because of the communities present social realities.

According to the Farmers Boulevard Community Development Corp., organizers of the upcoming June, 13th 2015, Farmers Boulevard Health Fair, "Obesity continues to be a challenge for approximately 1/3 of adult men, 1/2 of adult women, and 1/3 of our children."  The organization hopes to cut down on obesity and other health, life style affordability, and wealth problems with it's annual fair.  The health fair is a running  a few years strong.

St. Albans, New York, and the nearby areas of Southeast Queens are known for their historic status and highly regarded and celebrity residents.  Former residents read like a "who's who" of historic icons in jazz, hip hop, sports, civil rights and the entertainment fields.  Celebrities and luminaries like James Brown, Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson, W.E.B. Du bois, Russell Simmons, LL Cool J, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Fats Waller, 50 Cent, Milt Hinton, Nikki Minaj, Run DMC, Roy Wilkens, Joe Morton, and many others were once residents of the St. Albans or nearby communities comprising Southeast Queens. 

Nevertheless, these days area residents have a lot of issues with having access to affordable health care, fitness, relationship, and retirement issues according to the Farmers Boulevard Community Development Corp (FBCDC).

Farmers Boulevard Community Development Corp., run by Attorney Isa Abdur-Rahman, looks to restore Farmer's Blvd, and it's residents in the nearby communities, to both financial and physical wellness. "We want families and business owners to recognize Farmers Boulevard as an excellent place to grow a business, to grow healthier, and to help your children grow to be successful,” explained Isa Abdur-Rahman, Esq., FBCDC’s Executive Director.

Taking a glance at the goals on the Health Fair's flyer it is obvious the organization is taking a comprehensive approach to help Southeast Queens residents.  FBCDC's comprehensive schedule of events includes:

1. How to Afford Retirement (11:15 am - 12:00 p.m.)
2. How to Afford Great Care, Nutrition, and Fitness (12:00 - 12:45 p.m.)
3. How to Afford Comfortable Housing (12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
4. Health & Wellness through Arts & Culture (1:30 p.m. - 2:15 pm)
5. Can You Afford Your Relationship Status - Health relationships from teen years through golden years (2:15 - 3:00 p.m.)

The health fair promises to be an enlightening and rewarding event.  For more details on the health fair see the complete flyer below... 

For more info on being a participant, vendor, or volunteer for the Farmers Boulevard Health Expo Contact info: Isa Abdur-Rahman, Esq. Executive Director
Farmers Boulevard Community Development Corp.
111-20 Farmers Boulevard
Saint Albans, NY  11412
Tel: (718) 262-0881 or visit: www.FarmersBoulevard.org 
Follow Us On Twitter http://twitter.com/farmersblvd

About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and business in this largely black historic community.

The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing!  To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here

Rebuild Generational Ties by Wearing Different Hats

Fancy Hat Celebration is a unique opportunity for the community to work on "Rebuilding Generations through Bridging the Gap" from our youth to our elders. Come out with your Fancy Hat and celebrate with us, through music, dance, spoken word, good food and company!

"What can you tell about a person by looking at her hat"

We welcome Faith Based Organizations, churches, the Circuit Family, Community Organizations to come out support and donate to our celebration.

Come out and Celebrate with Christina Winslow, ACACAS, The Daughters of Isis Foundation, Inc.

Tickets $25.00 for Adults
$10.00 for Children
Group Rates available for Tables

if you are interested in Vending Opportunities for this event. Please contact Simone Williams at (347) 876-5708

The Afrikan Poetry Theatre (The Center For Culture)

Saturday, May 9 at 3:00pm - 7:00pm

About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and business in this largely black historic community.

The publication targets the over 350,000 residents in the Southeast Queen and Jamaica Queens area. It promotes to over 40,000 potential viewers in social media, mobile devices and search engines like Google and Bing!  To learn more about how to promote your business or organization on the Scoop or online Click Here