Beyond Gentrification: How Bed-Stuy’s Make Manifest is Rewriting the Rules of Community and Commerce
The economic landscape of historically Black neighborhoods is often framed by a single, looming narrative: gentrification. But within Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant, a different story is unfolding, one built on intentionality, cooperative economics, and a deep-rooted commitment to cultural preservation. At the heart of this evolution is Make Manifest, a boutique and vegan café on Tompkins Avenue that’s become far more than a business – it’s a vibrant ecosystem fostering Black entrepreneurship and a blueprint for resilient community building.
The Legacy of “Black Utopia” and The East
Bed-Stuy’s creative spirit isn’t new. Decades ago, the neighborhood was a self-sufficient hub, a “Black Utopia” fueled by institutions like The East, founded by Jitu Weusi. The East, a collective and meeting place, championed unity, creativity, and economic empowerment – principles deeply embedded in the Nguzo Saba. Though The East closed in 1985, its ethos continues to resonate, informing a new generation of entrepreneurs. As documented in “The Sun Rises in The East,” this legacy isn’t just history; it’s a foundational element of Bed-Stuy’s present and future.
Make Manifest: A Modern Hub for Black-Owned Businesses
Opened in 2017 by Isha Ma’at, Make Manifest embodies this spirit. More than just a retail space, it’s a curated platform for Black designers and artists. Ma’at’s own designs – bucket hats and tote bags emblazoned with affirmations like “Asé” and “Bed-Stuy Brooklyn” – share space with the creations of Anthony Ogunlanoh, whose Nigerian-inspired denim pieces are gaining recognition. This commitment to curation isn’t accidental; it’s a deliberate strategy to uplift local talent and offer an alternative to mainstream retail.
The Power of Pop-Ups and Skill-Sharing
Make Manifest actively supports emerging entrepreneurs through pop-up opportunities, providing crucial retail exposure. Beyond commerce, the space hosts sewing courses led by Ogunlanoh, fostering skill-sharing and empowering individuals to create their own opportunities. This emphasis on education and accessibility extends to youth, with plans for a summer creative intensive encompassing sewing, painting, jewelry making, and woodworking. This isn’t simply about offering classes; it’s about cultivating the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs.
Navigating Gentrification with Intentionality
Tompkins Avenue has witnessed a surge in new businesses since 2011, attracting a diverse clientele. While this influx brings economic activity, it also presents the challenge of rising rents and the potential displacement of long-term residents and businesses. Make Manifest’s success isn’t about ignoring these pressures; it’s about actively countering them. By prioritizing Black ownership, fostering community, and offering affordable creative outlets, the store provides a vital anchor in a rapidly changing neighborhood.
Cooperative Economics: A Model for Resilience
The store’s early days, as a co-op with Hekima and Khadija, exemplified a commitment to cooperative economics. As Khadija Tudor explained in an interview with Black-Owned Brooklyn, this approach prioritizes collective benefit and economic empowerment within the community. While the ownership structure has evolved, the underlying principle remains: Make Manifest isn’t just about profit; it’s about building wealth and opportunity within Bed-Stuy. This model offers a powerful alternative to traditional business practices, particularly in areas facing economic pressures.
The Future of Community Commerce
Make Manifest’s story offers valuable lessons for other communities grappling with the complexities of gentrification and economic change. The key lies in intentionality: actively supporting Black-owned businesses, prioritizing community engagement, and fostering spaces that celebrate local culture. This isn’t about resisting change; it’s about shaping it to ensure equitable outcomes. The rise of spaces like Make Manifest demonstrates that a thriving, culturally rich community and economic vitality aren’t mutually exclusive.
As neighborhoods across the country face similar challenges, the model pioneered by Isha Ma’at and her team offers a compelling vision for the future of commerce – one where community isn’t just a buzzword, but the very foundation of success. What steps can other communities take to replicate this model and ensure that economic development benefits all residents? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
