The “Love Zone” outdoor space at the intersection of Mother Gaston Blvd., and Newport Street in Brownsville, Brooklyn, was the fitting location to spread joy and goodwill on Dec. 23, at a Christmas Bazaar, organized by Princess Cronneitt, founder of the Devine Explosion Arts Program.
The Grenadian-born humanitarian, a pillar in the community, who grew up in Brooklyn and started the non-profit 22 years ago to engage and inspire youth, certainly put smiles on the faces of the children, by sharing toys, and hot meals.
The Bazaar that began at noon, distributed hundreds of items of outerwear, clothing, shoes, houseware, Christmas decorations, knick-knacks, and many other gifts that were donated via an ongoing collection drive, and once weekly distribution.
Spreading its theme, “Positivity Impacting Tomorrow Today,” Cronneitt was just 17, when she used her mother’s living room to launch a dance group. This led to a full-fledged community program of modeling and theater production. The group performs in the community and at senior citizens homes.
“All of these different activities kept growing and led to a distribution of donated items. However, this was not consistent. It became steady after COVID and included a food drive.”
Cronneitt, who credits her Grenadian up-bringing, her parents, grandmother, and her dedication to ensure that community youth received the skills, education, and togetherness needed to succeed, now share much needed items to the neediest.
In addition to in-kind and financial donations, the organization has grown to include culinary arts programs, entrepreneurial skills training, creative arts, and etiquette training, as part of its D.E.A.P Academy.
“Patch of Garden Inspiration is a flourishing agricultural project that promotes healthy organic eating. The grounds grow mint, thyme, basil, oregano, lemon balm, and lemon grass. Apple, peach, cherry, pear, and plum trees add to the D.E.A.P. Patch of Inspiration Garden Experience.
The group loves growing fresh herbs and learning its medicinal uses while enjoying its fragrance in the neighborhood plant venture.
The program depends wholly on donations and volunteers who help with distribution all-year round except during the winter months.
The community organizer thanked NYS Senator Roxanne Persaud of the 19th District for the many donations and for partnering with the group through “operation baby bump” to help expecting mothers with small children.
“She gives us pampers, helps us with marketing and promotion. She also hosted our ribbon-cutting to launch the community garden and honored some of our young people. Senator Persaud has been our cheerleader for a while. I would like to thank her for supporting the outreach programs.”
Some of the volunteers who showed up to the Christmas Bazaar were Shavon Cronneitt, Elijah, Stephen Shorell, Princess Noel, James Leslie-Ann, Joanna, Jane, Jennifer, and Terrence Singleton.
The humanitarian appreciates the support received from volunteers and organizations that help the less fortunate.
Interested persons can visit www. https://divineexplosionart.wixsite.com/prog, IG: divineexplosin, call : 347-358-7986,, or email: divineexplosionartsprogram@yahoo.com.com for ways to donate.
