FSUMC hosts successful annual Family Day

Ferguson, who is also president of the FSUMC’S Women in Faith and a retired registered nurse, told Caribbean Life that the day-long event “successfully brought together approximately 400 neighbors in a celebration of community culture and connection. 

“This annual event transformed our street into a vibrant hub of intergenerational activities, showing the diversity and spirit that defines our neighborhood,” she said, stating that the celebration was officially opened by the church’s pastor, the Rev. Roger Jackson, “setting a welcoming and inspirational tone for the day’s activities. 

“Following the opening ceremony, the day continued with lunch being served, which created an inviting atmosphere for the neighbors to gather and reconnect,” Ferguson added. 

She said the highlight of event was “a spectacular 17-piece live jazz band,” led by Jason Marshall, with performances by Eric Wyatt and Frank Lacy. 

Joan Douglas, a Jamaican-born member of the Family Life Ministry, said “the ensemble of the jazz music felt as if you were at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center. 

“The band was fantastic and superb,” she said. “They played a genre of songs from different artists, such as John Coltrane, Quincy Jones and Baby Face; Ballard by Charlie Parker. 

“Both adults and children sat embraced and enjoyed the music,” Douglas added. 

Ferguson said the concert was made possible through the “generous sponsorship” of Prospect Leffert Garden Association. 

“This three-hour musical showcase drew crowds and created a sophisticated cultural centerpiece for the celebration and had everyone in a ‘jazzy mood,’” she said. 

Douglas said it was “a beautiful, warm, sunny and comfortable day,” with “many cultural backgrounds of adults and children from and around the neighborhood. 

“Brooklyn is an immigrant city [sic borough], and, during this block party, you could see the culture spilling out everywhere – in the music, food, arts, hospitality, the adults, and children’s interactions with each other,” she said, adding that there were “a variety of special food,” desserts, and drinks, including hamburgers, hot dogs, corn, rice, chicken, mac & cheese, and sandwiches. 

Douglas said activities for the children comprised Bouncy House and games, such as Connect Four and Bean Bag Toss. 

“The children were excited about the Bouncy House and spent a lot of time in and out of it,” she said. “The children I spoke to stated, ‘this is one of their best days this summer.’” 

Douglas said among the display tables were Kids Mas Uniform for the West Indian American Carnival Parade during the Labor Day weekend in Brooklyn; jewelry making (adult or child invited to sit and make their own jewelry); Bronx and Brooklyn Energy Hub (NY State Regional Clean Energy Hub); Homes and Community Renewal (how to protect your home); Free Resiliency Audit for NYC Homeowners, Center for NYC Neighborhoods (where to get help, having problems with mortgage payment); and Brooklyn Solar Works (they have systems designed for every roof top).

Douglas said the fashion show, co-ordinated by the church’s “special designer” Diane Brown, the Jamaican-born chair of the Higher Education Committee, had “a cultural theme, which honored our neighborhood diversity, while ‘Lean on Me,’ the theme song used for the sing-along, symbolized our neighborhood commitment to mutual support and unity that makes Fenimore Street special.”

Douglas said “five dedicated members and a guest participant showcased both individual styles in sportswear, evening wear and cultural heritage with our diverse community.”

Brown said, while there were not many participants, we hit it with a bang. 

“Most people shy away from such boldness,” she said. 

Brown said she and Dean, “a Sunday school scholar,” did the opening in back-to-school uniform with the song by Shaba Rank, ‘Ting a Ling School Bell Ring,’ to add some humor to it. 

“We were few, but we were also confident,” she added, with Sis. Irlene showing off her casual floral pants suit, Sister Harriet model a long beige gown; Sis. Donna, from another church, swinging her Jamaican outfit and a black long formal dress, with silver hair accessory, while Sis. Patricia wore her white summer top and blue and white tie dye skirt with a reversable pair of shoes; and Sis. Linda swung her pink sequins dress.

“I wish we had more participants, including men from the congregation,” Brown continued. “I think it would add more spice and diversity to the segment.”

Nonetheless, she said: “The audience loved it, in spite of the limitations. They chaired us on, and we thank them for their applause and motivation.” 

Ferguson said the 2026 Block Party/Family Day “achieved remarkable results in fostering community connections across cultural generations and social boundaries. 

“With 400 neighbors participating in the celebration ranging from jazz performances to spontaneous dancing, the event demonstrated our neighborhood’s capacity for an inclusive celebration,” she said. “The collaboration between Lefferts Garden Association, under the directive of Mr. Richard Walk, Family Life Ministry, church youth volunteers, exemplified effective community partnership.

“If you were not present at the event, I can tell you, you missed an amazing time,” she said. “See you in 2027.”