The History of Bed-Stuy House Tours

Approximately 33 years ago, the 5 founders of the Brownstoners of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Inc. dared to build an organization of volunteers who would give of their time and talent to the continued stabilization and revitalization of the community.

The first initiative was to stop the flight of young families who were selling the homes that had been left to them by generations of Caribbean and Southern parents. Parents who were pioneers; who had put their life's blood into purchasing property. The house tour was developed as a means of introducing and reintroducing our community as a viable place to live, work and raise a family.

Our motto, "Come on Home to Bed-Stuy" was (and still remains) our drumbeat. For us, "Home" is a spiritual place for the next generations of children of the African Diaspora and beyond. Our house tours would be about the people who had bought our historic strictures. And who also had a deep commitment to serve their community.

We make "Home" what we will through the efforts of the block associations, churches and civic groups. Like the griots of old, we continue to hand down our stories, adding exciting chapters as we create a sustainable future. Our members remain dedicated to the continued revitalization and preservation of our community.

The Brownstoners of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501c3 volunteer service organization. Over the past 33 years we have been active in Bedford Stuyvesant by promoting literacy and conducting non-partisan voter registration drives.

This year we will be hosting our 33rd Annual House Tour of Bedford Stuyvesant. Proceeds from the past 33 house tours have funded over $200,000 to the Bernard McDonald/George Glee, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. Both men were founding members of the organization. More than 60 scholarships have been awarded to Boys and Girls High School college-bound graduates. These gradates attend HBCU's.

The scholarship is not a one-time payment. The students receive this scholarship throughout 4 years of their undergraduate studies provided they maintain a required GPA. We also use the house tour proceeds to award the Joan Maynard Scholarship to graduates from the programs at Brooklyn Academy High School. The college-bound grad receives a one-time award.

"Come on Home to Bed-Stuy" on Sat. Oct. 15th 11am-4pm (rain or shine). Advanced tickets are $15 and $20 on tour day. Advanced tickets can be purchased at the Bed-Stuy Alive! Kick-off Sat. Oct. 8th from 10am-5pm. Or at Ms Dahlia's Cafe, 449 Nostrand Ave, 718-975-0110 and T-Cup Cafe, 627 Throop Ave, 347-240-8810.Sponsors: Habitat NYC and Johnson Security Bureau