Community Corner
🌱 Police Not Charged In Shooting + 'Brooklyn Is Africa' + Knit Night
The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Brooklyn.
Hey, friends! It's me, Carlie Houser, your host of the Brooklyn Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out the most important things going on these days in town, including updates on...
- NYPD not charged two years after killing Brooklyn man at a traffic stop
- Public Borough Hall exhibit shows off artifacts from Brooklyn man's lifelong collection
- How a textile aficionado brought together the Brooklyn crafting community
But first, today's weather: 🌤 Milder and somewhat sunny; a shower in the evening. High: 47 Low: 40.
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Here are the top stories today in Brooklyn:
1. A new report says that officers will not be charged for killing a man at a Brooklyn traffic stop. In late November 2021, Brooklyn resident Brian Astarita was shot and killed by NYPD officers after a car chase. Astarita was initially pulled over for allegedly driving 20 mph over the speed limit, but when asked for his information, Astarita said his license was suspended and drove off. The original Highway Patrol officer chased Astarita for a while and called in backup; once they stopped him again, Astarita stepped out of his car and pointed a handgun at the two officers — it was later determined that Astarita's weapon was only a BB gun, but according to the 2023 report, the prop "did not sport any markings that would differentiate it from actual firearms." The report was released by New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office of Special Investigation and determined the officers responsible for Astarita's death not be charged with criminal acts.
2. A woman's body was reportedly found inside a Brooklyn community center closet with a bag over her head. The 38 year old was found unconscious and not breathing close to 10:30 a.m. on Monday morning at the Housing Works East New York Health Center in Brooklyn. An NYPD spokesperson briefly shared that they considered the situation "suspicious" and are determining the woman's cause of death. Suicide has not been ruled out, however this discovery in Brooklyn is similar to one made in the Bronx in May 2022 when a 34 year old was found dead in an apartment with a plastic bag over their head. At the time, NYPD determined the Bronx victim has been murdered.
3. A new exhibit, 'Brooklyn is Africa,' is now on view at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Eric Edwards is a Brooklyn-based African art enthusiast whose personally selected, awe-inspiring show features a collection of 35 cultural artifacts from his private collection. Edwards has collected thousands of unique African artifacts during his decades-long travels to all 54 countries. Some of his collected pieces date back from 3,000 to 4,000 years. He is currently working to establish a home for his collection in the new Cultural Museum of African Artifacts (CMAA) so these works can be available for everyday viewing. At present, "Brooklyn is Africa: Survival + Persistence = Resistance" is free and available to the public for viewing today, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and tomorrow, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On its opening night, the Edwards' exhibit garnered an impressive audience of 250 visitors.
4. An artist's "refuge" in Brooklyn has been bringing together a community of crafters for over five years. String Thing Studio is the only Black-owned yarn shop in NYC, founded by Felicia Eve in 2017. "I really wanted to create a space where people could come, and hang out, and feel comfortable to be there. It's an extension of my home. It's an extension of my kitchen, which is where the party always is," Eve told NowThis. At the age of 6, Eve was already gaining the knowledge of textiles she has now — an education that was passed down through generation in her family. Now, Eve has opened String Thing Studio to the greater Brooklyn community, hosting a space for creators to gather on Friday nights called Knit Night. The event is "like a club," she explains, and hopes that the family she's helped cultivate will inspire more folks to dive into their crafty business endeavors.
Today in Brooklyn:
- Free Admission Wednesday, New York Aquarium, Today @ 2 - 3:30 p.m. | Details
- New York City Craft Beer Week, Queue Bar, Today @ 4 - 11 p.m. | Details
- Whiskey, Brewery, & History Walking Tour, Kings County Distillery, Today @ 5 - 8 pm. | Details
- Movie Night: 'Rise,' Prospect Park, Today @ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Details
- In-Person Class: Make Your Own Sushi, Strong Rope Red Hook, Today @ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Details
- Big Thief, Brooklyn Steel, Today @ 8 - 11 p.m. | Details
🐝 Brooklyn Buzz:
- 'Don't take no for an answer' and other advice for local Black-owned businesses: " It might sound easier said than done," reports the Brooklyn Paper, "but those who dished out the advice have already lived by it." At the link, read more about the state of Black-owned businesses in Brooklyn and the U.S., and the advice that successful owners stand by. (Brooklyn Paper)
- Doomsday comes to Brownstone Brooklyn in Kashana Cauley debut novel: "Cauley has written for shows including 'The Great North' and 'The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,' and her debut novel is crafted with the kind of comedic timing you'd expect from someone with her resume, but the story is also spooky and suspenseful enough to haunt you long after you've put your copy down. Recently, Vogue spoke to Cauley about working her obsession with coffee into 'The Survivalists,' making the conscious choice not to write a "COVID book," the best thing she's read recently, and more." At the link, read Cauley's full interview with Vogue's Mindy Tucker. (Vogue)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! I'll see you soon.
— Carlie Houser
About me: I'm a recent grad based in Brooklyn, NY. I love to write, run, read, and find new restaurants and venues around the city.
Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Brooklyn Patch newsletter? Contact me at brooklyn@patch.com
