The BlaQue (BLAQUE) Resource Network has three weeks in a row served the residents of Southeast Queens 6000 pounds of healthy food options for free. With the global pandemic of COVID19, the BlaQue Resource Network is addressing the issue of food insecurity. In a mere six months the network has garnered over 5000 members who are given the opportunity to network and promote on their Facebook platform.The BlaQue Resource Network provides a space to promote all businesses in Queens that are led by entrepreneurs of the African Diaspora.
Founder (BLAQUE) , Aleeia Abraham has cultivated a strategic partnership with Queens Together to bring healthy food options to Southeast Queens. The partnership came about through social media and networking. “ I was part of a Facebook Group that was putting together a map of businesses in Queens that were still open during the COVID-19 pandemic”., stated Abraham. Abraham quickly identified to her peers developing the map that there were no businesses listed below Hillside Avenue in Queens. Through this dialogue it helped build a partnership with Queens Together. The non-profit approached BLAQUE with the opportunity to provide food giveaways to the community. At first Abraham tried to identify shelters to give the produce to but struggled. She then decided that BLAQUE would come together and give it out themselves. Roy Wilkins Park and SQPA have provided space and support for the network to host their share-out.
The logo of the BLAQUE network was designed by Dane Chong. Chong is also the lead documentarian of the network and has captured the altruism of community residents. Chong described the design of the logo being inspired by the concept of the LED lights and the representation of the African Diaspora through the red, black and green colors. As a founding member of the organization he says, “ The feedback we have received from the members has been the fuel to want to do more”. There is authentic community engagement and the network has over 30 volunteers that come out to organize the food share.
It is truly inspiring to see an intergenerational representation of families volunteering their time during the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19. Tatum Boothe has volunteered with BLAQUE for three weeks. Ms Boothe grew up in Southeast Queens and experience has been, “an awesome activity and they are truly doing the work of the village”. Ms. Boothe also stated the BLAQUE network has provided a space to uncover the gems of our community. Mother/Daughter teams were in strong attendance at the health share. Asiyah Jackson and Illuscious Meyers were responsible for providing free tampons to anyone in need at the event. They feel it is important to give back as a family.Shawna and Alexis Colliard volunteered as a family as well. This was Alexis’ first time volunteering in the area and she said, “It’s really beautiful to see all the people come out and there is a great sense of community. I want my future children and grandchildren to understand the importance of giving back.”
Dianna Rose, founding member of BLAQUE and entrepreneur is inspired by the joy between volunteers especially in these hard times. Rose believes BLAQUE will organically evolve and continue to elevate Southeast Queens.
If you are interested in volunteering with the BLAQUE Resource Network, click here. To donate to their Share Health Initiative donate here.
