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Nathifa King – Writer \/ Kayla Swindell – Editor<\/p><\/div>\n
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In the heart of Brownsville, Brooklyn,<\/em> HealthJox Foundation and Exousia Cathedral joined forces again to pull off a strong end of year event with their annual Christmas tree lighting and toy giveaway called, “Brownsville Shines.”\u00a0<\/em> <\/strong>An annual family event, Brownsville Shines is the\u00a0vision of Missionary Bishop \u2013 Dr. Lester Bradford<\/strong> that <\/em>showcases a blend of rich holiday traditions, cultural heritage, and spirited giving by members and volunteers of HealthJox Foundation, Inc. and Exousia Cathedral<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n By the evening of Saturday, December 16, 2023,<\/em> news circulated throughout the neighborhood regarding the toy-giveaway from 5pm \u2013 7pm and people came out in droves as the stage set-up began.\u00a0 By 5pm, DJ Argyle<\/em> and his team began playing traditional and contemporary holiday tracks which represented a sounding-board to let everyone within air shot know that the event had begun. \u00a0In that very moment, Founder and Executive Director of HealthJox Foundation \u2013 Dewry DuRoi Bradford<\/strong><\/em> grabbed the microphone and began addressing the onlookers and coercing them to gather and join the festivities.\u00a0 Parishioners lined up in anticipation as they enjoyed cups of hot chocolate, bowls of chicken soup, and dainty Christmas cookies and pastries. \u00a0The sidewalk bustled with kids of all ages along with their parents and guardians waiting for their turn to access the lower auditorium of the building, where all the goodies were set-up for their choosing.\u00a0 Exousia Cathedral\u2019s 693 Ralph Avenue<\/em> location also couples as the headquarters of HealthJox Foundation, Inc.\u00a0<\/em> Community members know that at any given time, food giveaways are produced right outside of the building throughout the year, however, Brownsville Shines is the event most anticipated.\u00a0 Brownsville Shines<\/em> is known for offering toys and technology in excess, all for free.\u00a0 The burden of worry is lifted from parents as they don’t have to face the disappointment their children would have experienced, by not being able to provide multiple gifts on Christmas Day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Compilation images of Brownsville Shines – 2023<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Scheduled to hit the stage was professional dancer Kaylan TBB<\/strong> <\/em>and recording artist JaredSB.<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 As JaredSB entered to sing his Christmas ballad entitled “This Christmas,”<\/em> (a cover that he launched last year), the crowd eagerly waited in anticipation.\u00a0 JaredSB<\/em>, a Brooklyn native who grew up on Gates Avenue<\/em>, launched his career a few years ago and have been locally touring the East Coast and parts of the West Coast with his sultry young voice.\u00a0 Reminiscent of a young Chris Brown, JaredSB<\/em> takes this song to a different place with his heart-felt moves and gestures.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JaredSB performs live during “Brownsville Shines” – 2023.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Looking forward to a promising year of 2024, HealthJox Foundation and Exousia Cathedral<\/em> will continue to partner up in making a difference in the community of Brownsville. Although Brownsville is known to be one of the economically challenged neighborhoods in Brooklyn, HealthJox Foundation and Exousia Cathedral’s<\/em> hope is to allow Brownsville to emerge as a shining example of resilience, progress, and community spirit. \u00a0This vibrant community has produced some of the most accomplished athletes, musicians, and creatives in New York City.<\/p>\n Organizer and President of Brownsville Shines,<\/em> Taniesha Bradford<\/em> <\/strong>and her team: Pastor Kayla Swindell, Lucia Bradford and Dewry DuRoi Bradford,<\/em><\/strong> strategically organized the lower auditorium so that each visitor arriving (10-at a time), flowed seamlessly through the event space. Volunteers assisted with handing-off the toys, food, clothing, and footwear. Taniesha also challenged volunteers to include and focus on inspiring and empowering the community folk of Brownsville. through acts of kindness within the spiritual tradition of Christmas. This unique event is a testament to HealthJox Foundation and Exousia Cathedral’s<\/em> commitment in fostering positive change and well-being.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n History of Brownsville, Brooklyn:<\/strong><\/p>\n Brownsville is a neighborhood in the eastern part of Brooklyn, New York City. It has a rich history, but it has also faced economic challenges and social issues over the years.<\/p>\n Brownsville’s development can be traced back to the late 19th century when it experienced rapid growth and urbanization. It was initially a middle-class neighborhood but later faced economic decline and social challenges.\u00a0 The neighborhood has been historically diverse, with significant African American, Hispanic, and, Jewish<\/em> populations. Over the years, the demographics have evolved and Brownsville is known for its multicultural community.\u00a0 Brownsville neighborhoods have struggled with poverty and many efforts have been made by community organizations and local government to address issues and improve economic opportunities.<\/p>\n Exousia Cathedral<\/em> has been a staple in the community, creating a safe space for youth to explore their spirituality and learn how to live productive lives according to the scriptures.\u00a0 HealthJox Foundation partnered with this initiative by providing tangible resources to service the needs of the people.\u00a0 Together, they have been working to uplift the spirit of people in Brownsville. Their efforts often focuses on lifestyle, spiritual development & mentorship, and community engagement to bring positive changes to the neighborhood.\u00a0 This can be observed through their new generation on volunteers growing up with the heart for community service.\u00a0 Despite challenges, Brownsville has cultural institutions and landmarks. The neighborhood has produced notable figures in the arts, sports, and other fields, contributing to its cultural legacy.<\/p>\n In recent years, there have been revitalization efforts aimed at improving infrastructure, housing, and overall quality of life in Brownsville. These initiatives often involve collaboration between local government, community organizations, and residents.\u00a0 Brownsville Shines is one of the service offerings that have been established by Missionary Bishop \u2013 Dr. Lester Bradford<\/em> as this is his 11th<\/sup> year extending this event to the community. \u00a0Brownsville Shines, initially started by original President \u2013 Lucia Bradford<\/strong><\/em>, who went on to become a traveling opera singer \u2013 headlining shows produced in Russia, Germany<\/em> and most recently at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall,<\/em> where she then passed the torch to Taniesha Bradford<\/em>.\u00a0 \u00a0Since then, expansion in offering and involving technology, dry goods, canned goods and home supplies for adults were included.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Missionary Bishop – Dr. Lester Bradford – showcasing over 600 toys prepared for the Brownsville Shines – 2023 event.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Future Outlook:<\/strong><\/p>\n Brownsville’s future is influenced by ongoing community efforts, public policies, and the engagement of residents. The hope is to create a more vibrant and sustainable community that offer opportunities and a high quality of life for all its residents.\u00a0 In addition, HealthJox Foundation, Inc. and Exousia Cathedral<\/em> launched a new tradition in 2023 of donating toys to other organizations.\u00a0 This year, 200 toys were donated to a Bushwick-based organization called “Clothed With Love”<\/em> <\/strong>– founded by Pastor Denise Hall<\/strong><\/em>, for their toy giveaway event on December 23, 2023 where parishioners surrounding their 103 Jefferson Avenue<\/em> location and was able to receive much needed items for the holidays.\u00a0 This aligns with the vision of Bishop Lester Bradford and Dewry DuRoi’s<\/em> plan to position their organizations to expand and service benefactors<\/em> within the community of Brooklyn.<\/p>\n It’s important to note that Brownsville Shines<\/em> is forever evolving… and as the neighborhood grows, so will this platform.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sponsors: Special thanks goes out to our sponsors who allowed us to accomplish this successful event:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Brooklyn Health Equity Foundation, Toys For Tots, Trader Joe’s, Grow Brownsville, Volunteers from Origins High School, Volunteers from Exousia Cathedral, Family & Friends, Volunteers from HealthJox Foundation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Notable Mentions:<\/strong><\/p>\n Elder Elect Lucia Bradford, Pastor Constance Wright, Pastor Derrick Swindell, Deaconess Ingrid Semple, Deaconess Glendora Ceballos, Deacon Trevor Walker, Jamal “Mystery” Brooks, DJ Argyle, Josiah Bradford, Natasha Adams, Kayla Swindell and Nathifa King.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brownsville Shines Recap Video:\u00a0 Click below to review event.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n https:\/\/youtu.be\/hMCmFFpRNts?si=opk6GpZeeVbLPj3z<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nycnewswire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/12\/BROWNSVILLE-SHINES-COLLAGE-2023-1024x483.jpg\")
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