The Brooklyn Mavens, founded by Merlyn Oliver and Lauren Riley as a digital platform that showcases neighborhood culture, local businesses, and talents throughout Brooklyn and New York City, has expanded. Oliver and Riley created it first as a blog in 2016 and recently hosted their second annual talent show, The Billie and The Brooklyn Mavens present Brooklyn Unplugged, at the Billie Holiday Theatre.
This location serves as an important reminder for Black platforms to provide spaces that highlight Black creatives who document and tell their own stories. The theatre, located in Restoration Plaza in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, was founded in honor of jazz and pop singer Billie Holiday. Holiday was most known for her moving song, “Strange Fruit,” which protested the lynchings of Black people in the South.
The Brooklyn Unplugged event coincided close to the 54th anniversary of the theatre, which opened in May 1972. “Partnering with the Billie Holiday Theatre is important because it’s a staple in Brooklyn and it’s not a place that everybody knows about,” said Riley.
BK Unplugged served as an exemplary showcasing of talented Black women, who were the top winners at the event. As Brooklyn natives, Oliver and Riley aim for their platform to highlight the culture of Brooklyn and support local businesses, especially long-standing ones. “[The show] is allowing people to see what other aspects there are — businesses there are here in Brooklyn that they can come to,” Riley said.
“When it comes to Black artists specifically, when it comes to in-person events, I’m glad that we’ve created this event for [Black artists] to come out,” said Oliver. She described BK Unplugged as a stage that spotlights performers without a platform and those with one looking to grow. She understands the significance of storytelling as a digital platform and how The Brooklyn Mavens offer room for Black creatives and artists to show off their craft and talents. “Having this specific event for Black creatives is a great platform for them to be seen,” Oliver said.
One of those Black creators and artists was Harlem singer and host Troy Weekes. Aside from expressing his strong passion and love for the community who raised him, Weekes was ready to win: “If you ain’t seen me before, you’re going to see me now!” Weekes said he is a true performer who has been singing since he was young. “I’m excited to be here, all the way in Brooklyn to do something that I love.” He was enthusiastic about a venue showcasing his talents and skills. Weekes was also eager to challenge himself during the evening. “I’m comfortable about myself and my own talent, and no matter what I do, I shine,” Weekes said.
BK Unplugged winners were chosen in real time by audience members. The first-place winners were the Purpose Performing Arts Collective (PPAC), a Brooklyn dance company, followed by second-place winner singer Stella and third-place winner singer Gwalé. Oliver and Riley were impressed with the dance company winning first place. “It was inspiring to see them as a collective — I think they did an amazing job and I’m happy for them,” said Riley.
Oliver praised how much PPAC’s red stage outfits stood out and how in sync the performers danced. The Brooklyn Mavens founders were also pleased with overwhelming applause and cheers from the crowd. “The winners were giving women empowerment,” said Oliver.
Black women winning all three top spots and cash prizes can be considered an ode to Billie Holiday herself.
Oliver said her favorite part of the evening was watching the audience have fun. “I appreciate the fact that people were laughing, having a good time and enjoying the contestants’ music — it was a good time,” she said.
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