BRIC Debuts New Video Series on Brooklyn Culture -- First Episode Highlights Fulton Mall

Brooklyn Independent Media, the 24/7 TV channel created at the BRIC House in Fort Greene, just launched First Brooklyn, Then The World — a new show all about Brooklyn’s trajectory from local borough to global brand.

“BRIC, which is the parent organization behind Brooklyn Independent Media, has been an organization at the forefront of Brooklyn trends for a long time now,” First Brooklyn producer Corinne Colgan told Brownstoner. “We wanted to create a show that highlights just how much culture — from food to fashion to design and beyond — began right here in our backyard.”

The debut episode follows host Aaron Watkins — a frequent presenter on BK Live— as he traverses Fulton Mall, talks with fashion icon April Walker at Cammareri Cafe, learns about the story behind Brooklyn Industries from merchandiser Catie Ally, interviews fashionable folks on the street, and hunts for style finds at Unique Thrift with Dave Morley.

Fulton Mall has a remarkable history, from its start as a hub for dry goods stores following the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, all the way through the rise and fall of its elevated line, to the 1970s redesign of its streetscape, and the mall’s ascension as a center for hip-hop and street fashion.

Speaking of Fulton Mall, if you haven’t already read Street Value: Shopping, Planning, and Politics on Fulton Mall by Rosten Woo and Meredith Tenhoor, put down your trashy beach novel and pick it up. Street Value is an exquisite deep-dive into the story and significance of Fulton Mall and required reading for Brooklynites in the know.

Tucker Reed, President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. Photo via Commercial Observer

The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership — including DBP President Tucker Reed — has become a champion of the Fulton Mall shopping center, as evidenced in part by their support of First Brooklyn‘s first episode. The show is being co-developed by the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and BRIC. It should also be noted that Leslie G. Schultz, President of BRIC, is on the board of the DBP.

Corrine Colgan, a producer for the show, told Brownstoner that we can look forward to future episodes on topics like farm-to-table cooking, interior design, and music. Colgan added, “We’re hoping to continue showcasing what makes Brooklyn culture such a juggernaut.”

On a busy street now bookended by large-scale development City Point and hugely successful ShakeShack, one of the things we liked about this video is the way it celebrates local life and businesses. Fulton Mall pics below.

Fulton Mall Coverage [Brownstoner]
Downtown Brooklyn Partnership Coverage [Brownstoner]