The second ASNEAA CLP x America 250th Anniversary event kicked off at Commodore Barry Park (CBP) in Brooklyn! Similar to the CLP x America 250th @ FGP pop-up, there were multiple goals for this activation. One was to circle back with Friends of Commodore Barry Park to share CLP program adaption and offer partnership. The leaders of the CBP group have been instrumental in the sustainability of ASNEAA programming in NYC Parks and open to engaging in necessary dialogue about CLP programming content. CBP is located on the other side of FGP and also commemorates American Revolution history with the naming. For Abolition Day programming last year at the park, the goal was to partner with IAAF on multicultural heritage exploration centering BIPOC narratives. And frankly, like Oprah’s hindsight reflection– the goals were doing too much, for too little. Hence the learning curves shared in the event reflection and since adapted “multidimensional praxis” (online + in-person) focusing on the ASNEAA BIPOC heritage research via the website introduction.
With an unnecessary special events permit application submitted and Mother Nature forecasting a beautiful, sunny day – CLP x America 250th Anniversary @ CBP was implemented as planned. In addition to the green spaces, sports fields and courts- the park location also includes a pool and playground for ASNEAA to engage a family-friendly audience. As a NYC lifer and now mom, public pools close from 3-4 pm for cleaning; so CLP x America 250th programming was an option for folks looking to fill the break time.
The reality is even with a plan in place, forecasting is a power move. Similar to the park naming and history, many CLP x America 250th Anniversary @ CBP participants were unaware of the connection to the American Revolution being celebrated nationwide, kinda (it’s definitely not united). And though the ASNEAA global mapping is the springboard for BIPOC heritage research, CLP x America 250th Anniversary @ CBP participants provided context to the multidimensional praxis by centering the in-person experience. The park has its own energy and local community that utilizes the space. As I am often in transit when I visit the park, I never took the time to really understand this dynamic. It felt a little “colonizer”-ish to walk into a public community space and explain the ambitious ASNEAA goals for CLP x America 250th Anniversary @ CBP. It was imposter syndrome though because ASNEAA does not force anyone to do anything. Talking about history + culture is not easy, but CLP x America 250th Anniversary @ CBP participants shared their BIPOC heritage and engaged in the courageous conversations in a safe space that highlighted the ASNEAA wholistic research lens on the human experience centering BIPOC communities:
Even after the event, I remembered another thing to celebrate was CBP (formerly City Park) was the first public park in Brooklyn! BIPOC heritage learning + exploration don’t stop. And really the location was the perfect place to tackle the many examples of community advocacy from current park renovations to accessibility for an everchanging surrounding community (gentrification is REAL). This CLP pop-up activation also included a traditional arts as advocacy creative expression project: legacy bracelets!
My current read is also giving me context on the fractured history (right here in NYC) that hasn’t been fully resolved for human rights advocacy centering BIPOC communities. There is no silence / shame in being American, maybe in being a white supremacist (or adjacent). here’s to STILL being American and proud (not just for the boys or White people) because as CLP x America 250th Anniversary @ CBP evidenced issues can arise when even subconsciously white names and narratives are centered. The pushback to the rescheduled CLP x America 250th Anniversary @ Washington Square Park (WSP) has already begun. Communication rooted in community is key (not coordinated by state sponsors and executed by codeswitchers without consent)! A.I. is not your friend and ASNEAA is not A.I.
Thank you to the CLP x America 250th Anniversary host, participants, and donors:
