3. Explore The Black Food Scene In Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant
Food has long played an important role in the Black American community, particularly as a means of protest and protection. In the past, enslaved African Americans would often rebel against their subjugation by taking their master’s provisions and raiding the personal larders of white plantation owners. Both during and after slavery, Black Americans often used farming as a means of finding sustenance during difficult times, especially in communities with low access to nearby fresh produce sources. As time went on, the importance of food steeped deeper into the community, becoming an integral component of the Civil Rights Movement, from the famous Woolworth sit-ins to “shoe-box lunches” on trips in protest of Southern restaurants which refused service to Black Americans.
In celebration of Juneteenth and the importance of food in the Black culture, the organization Trivia For Us will be hosting a Juneteenth Food Crawl. Participants will have the opportunity to sample delicious food and boozy cocktails from Black-owned establishments across the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant. Some of the featured venues will include Cake Boi, Island Pop, Savvy Bistro, and Spudz NYC. At each venue, one complimentary food and cocktail item will be provided, with the option available to purchase more with exclusive discounts. In addition, throughout the crawl, participants will have the opportunity to play trivia games on their mobile devices with the chance to win prizes from local vendors. As an ode to Juneteenth, the trivia games will be centered around Black history, pop culture, music, film, television, art, and science. The event will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and is open to anyone aged 21 years or older. Registration online is required in advance with tickets priced at $45.
