Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Promotes Literacy at BSRC Annual Holiday Fête

The Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza carried on a 40-year tradition last Saturday, as it hosted the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Holiday Party.

Every year, the event is dedicated to Robert F. Kennedy who founded Restoration Plaza in 1966 with Senator Jacob Javits and Mayor John Lindsay. The theme of the party was literacy, and the event was jam-packed with activities starting at 9:00 am and concluding at noon with gift giving and lunch. The show in the Billie Holiday Theatre featured a Christmas sing-along, dancers and an exotic animals presentation.

Robert Kennedy, Jr., son of founder Robert F. Kennedy, dropped by the event and spoke about the importance of literacy. "He's been coming back here to Bedford-Stuyvesant for years," said Tracey Capers, senior vice president for programs and organizational development at Restoration Plaza. "He feels very comfortable here," she added, noting that Kennedy is extremely devoted to the Bed-Stuy community.

Kennedy emphasized the need for parents to encourage their children to read for at least an hour a day, rather than watch television. "They're going to hate you but you have to make them do it anyway," he said. "If you force them to do it, they'll start to love it."

The activities in the basement encouraged children to engage with reading and writing through journal- and bookmark-making and games like "Let's Play With Phonics." There was face painting, a petting zoo and books were distributed at the gift giving rather than toys.

"The best gift for my godchildren is a book, because books hold all the knowledge of the world," said Colvin W. Grannum, president of the Corporation. "We want to be the smartest community in Brooklyn. When you say you're from Bed-Stuy, we don't want to hear, 'you must be tough, you must be bad.' We want to hear, 'you must be smart!'"

Members of the Lions Club International, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, NYC Justice Corps and other service organizations volunteered throughout the event and helped children with the various activities.

"This keeps you young," said Arthur J. Thomas, who has been coming to the holiday party every year since its inception in 1966 and is a member of Lions Club International in Bed-Stuy. "I come to watch the joy on the faces of the kids. We do it to give back to the community, to let them know we appreciate them."