"I had the pleasure of meeting Tohma in 2006, when [my] boutique was in its infancy stages," wrote Kishana L. Holland on her blog, Tres Chic Boutique.
"Tohma quickly stopped in the boutique, introduced herself and was eager to learn who I was and what were my intentions in her beloved community of Bedford Stuyvesant. I must admit, our first meeting would have never led me to believe she would be one of my biggest supporters and ultimately serve as my mentor and friend."
In addition to being 2nd vice chair of Community Board 3, Ms. Faulkner served on the board of directors for Vannguard Urban Improvement Association, the former president of the Brownstoners, a member of the steering committee for the Bedford-Stuyvesant Gateway Business Improvement District and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She was also an involved member of Bethany Baptist Church.
Tohma Y. Faulkner passed away on September 6, 2008-- a transition that rocked her entire community of Bedford-Stuyvesant.
"The World has lost a great voice, Delta Sigma Theta Sororority, Inc. has lost a devoted soror, and the Bedford Stuyvesant Community has lost one of its greatest heroes," wrote Holland.
Tohma Faulkner was one of the founders of BedStuy Alive!, a week-long festival promoting tourism and stimulating community pride by introducing thousands of people to the growing array of restaurants, retail shops, businesses, art and history of one the largest African-American communities in the United States.
Most recently, after nearly two years of consideration, Brooklyn's Community Board 3 voted in June 2015 to co-nameDecatur Street, between Marcus Garvey Boulevard and Throop Avenue, Tohma Y. Faulkner Way.
Ms. Faulkner was dedicated, persistent, smart, hard working and passionate about her community of Bedford-Stuyvesant.
On Saturday, October 10, at 10:00am, the Annual Bed-Stuy Alive! celebration will celebrate its 11th year, kicking off with an opening ceremony featuring the Tohma Y. Falukner Awards!
The activities will take place at outside the front of Restoration Plaza, located at 1368 Fulton Street. Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson will serve as this year's emcee.
The 2015 community stakeholders to be honored:
Arts and Culture Award-- Jazz Legend Pianist Ed Stoute
Community Champion Award-- Nelson Stoute
Community Service Award-- Detective Jenkins of the 81st Precinct, and Police Officer Shurod Brown of the 79th Precinct
Economic Development Trailblazer Award-- Hilary Farmer, owner, Sunoco Gas Station
New Entrepreneurs Award-- Dahlia Anglin & Linda McKenzie, owners of Veggie Natural Juice Bar
Outstanding Educator-- Elise Edwards
**Check back into The Brooklyn Reader for more information on the calendar of activities taking place during BedStuy Alive!, including Feast BedStuy, A 10K Walk/Run, a block party and Restoration Rocks! Music concert!**
