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ENSPIRE MAGAZINE WS20 WS20
Unity Blaque Despite Resource Strife and Turmoil
Network
THE BLAQUE RESOURCE NETWORK HAS STEPPED FORWARD AND PROVIDED SOME
SENSE OF NORMALCY DURING TIMES THAT ARE FAR FROM NORMAL - WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH DUCHAN
WRITTEN BY : ELIZABETH DUCHAN
The Blaque Resource Network is an incredibly valuable organization that is constantly evolving to best fit the needs of its beloved borough . The Queens , New York initiative has been holding down their local communities by giving away fresh and healthy produce while also being a continued voice for social justice . The endeavor was created in August of 2019 in the hopes of tackling economic inequality in black communities head-on and soon came to life through a wide array of events that spurred beneficial changes throughout Queens . p r o v i d e multiple start-up grants for young entrepreneurs . Their recent book drive highlighted a wide range of black authors ’ works , with over 2500 books donated and sold . Furthermore , the BRN gives black-run stores and events full spotlight on their Facebook page . The organization urges their audience to “ put money into black-owned businesses ,” articulating how “ the poverty , crime and poor education in our community can be greatly improved by the support of current and creation of more community-owned businesses .”
The BRN ’ s Share Health Pantry popup events have gained widespread recognition for providing sustainable , locally-sourced foods to families throughout southeast Queens . Over the past several months , over 10,000 people have been fed by the produce stands and pick up boxes . Dianna Rose and Aleeia Abraham , who host the weekly events , describe how the idea was conceived long ago but became especially necessary during the current times . “ With everything going on with COVID-19 , and of course the disparities that we see in communities of color ,” said Rose , “ it ’ s imperative that we provide this resource to our community .”
In seeking to serve their community , the Blaque Resource Network has simultaneously created its own special platform for networking and sharing resources . The organization makes it incredibly accessible for community members to not only get the support they need but to also band together over a common goal and take part in something bigger than themselves . Queens continues to change for the better with the support of the BRN volunteers and their selflessness in lifting up those around them .
But Rose describes how the Share Health Pantry popups do far more than just satisfying hungry stomachs . With each pickup comes new interactions and relationships between families , their neighbors , and their local organizations , building a micro-community in and of itself . “ Everyone leaves not only full with a basket of produce , but they just leave full all over ,” says Rose .
Another large component of the Blaque Resource Network ’ s prerogative is supporting Black-owned businesses and equipping them with the resources for success . This past July , the organization hosted a Bike-A-Thon to