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Leoma Cianchetti

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Aug 2, 2024, 9:21:23 PM8/2/24

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Located at the amphitheater at the Floyd Patterson Ballfields at Christopher and Riverdale Avenues, the newly-painted LOVE Zone Mural is a social justice project created by Brownsville residents after 11 people were shot -- one killed -- at the Brownsville Recreation Center in 2019.

Over the past few weeks, volunteers from the Brownsville Residents Green Committee (BRGC), Brownsville Think Tank Matters, The Underground Shadows, Ocean Hill-Brownsville Coalition of Young Professionals and Universe City have spent their weekends painting the mural.

The amphitheater has been painted from the ground up in different shades of green, and the space invites you in with love hearts, powerful quotes and even QR codes that direct you to watch short videos on social and racial justice.

BRGC member Fabian Rogers told BK Reader there wasn't anything like in Brownsville, a mural that takes up communal space, where folks can sit and chat and where QR codes take you to different educational videos.

"It's sort of all the mechanics that are necessary to be functional community for a a place like Brownsville that's been, more often than not, underfunded under-recognized, under-acknowledged and under-protected."

For Brownsville social activist and organizer Gabriel Jamison, who has been at the forefront of the fight against the North Brooklyn Pipeline, the project is about transforming public spaces into places of healing and community.

A number of politicians, including Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Councilwoman Alicka Ampry-Samuel and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams -- likely NYC's next mayor, have also thrown their weight behind the project, which is created in association with NYC Parks.

"An enterprising group of... students decided to harness the power of their pain, over yet another tragedy in their community, and turn it into purpose," Adams said last year in a letter of support for the project.

"With the frightful uptick in gun violence this summer, the residents of Brownsville are crying out for relief. They need to be able to believe in the possibilities of their neighborhood and all it can offer, which is why I could not be any more proud or supportive of this wonderful project."

One of the organizers, The Underground Shadows, said it is set to start organizing a range of events for the newly rehabilitated space, such as movie nights, dance parties, self-defense classes, yoga sessions and more, "for the people by the people."

To Enter: Submit a love song request and dedication via the Groovy94.com web page or the mobile app. Shout outs will also be accepted and may be played on air. By Submitting your request and dedication you give Groovy 94.1 and by extension permission to air your recording or read your message on air.

Poets! Yes, you read it right-We are back for one night only for The Love Zone! My diva, La Perla Negra and I, Mrs. VIP are in the Love Lounge, ready to hear those pieces of love and romance, with just a touch of sensuality. We are keeping it clean....well with a touch of sexy. So come on in this room and romance us! Make us swoon and take our socks off, BABY-BA-BAY! The dial in number is 319-527-6300, and press 1 to be heard! This program is sponsored by Raw Links, why be average, when you can B-Raw? This is Epiphany Radio, the 4Real Entertainment Network!