Sista's Place

About this listing

Coffeehouse and performance space that supports activism

Place Details

Place Matters Profile

The unassuming storefront cafe, Sista’s Place, is more than a coffeehouse. It is a community resource and gathering place that serves as a center for the discussion and debate of political, cultural and social issues.

A collective of about 30 people who are active in the Bedford-Stuyvesant community runs Sista's Place. The cafe has a warm comfortable interior with brick walls enlivened by Afrocentric paintings and photographs. It hosts weekly community meetings on issues such as police brutality and housing conditions, as well as a book club, an open-mic night for youth, a writers' workshop, and live jazz performed by local talent. In addition, the cafe also serves as an umbrella for several activist organizations.

The unassuming storefront cafe, Sista’s Place, is more than a coffeehouse. It is a community resource and gathering place that serves as a center for the discussion and debate of political, cultural and social issues.

A collective of about 30 people who are active in the Bedford-Stuyvesant community runs Sista's Place. The cafe has a warm comfortable interior with brick walls enlivened by Afrocentric paintings and photographs. It hosts weekly community meetings on issues such as police brutality and housing conditions, as well as a book club, an open-mic night for youth, a writers' workshop, and live jazz performed by local talent. In addition, the cafe also serves as an umbrella for several activist organizations.

Sources

Braithwaite, Lionel. Interview by Madaha Kinsey-Lamb for Places Matters. November 2, 2001.

Nominations

Sista's Place serves the community through entertainment, education and by teaching kids. It was at the center of politics and action in the community during a year-long boycott of Korean vegetable stands. I wish they could expand so they could do even more.

Warmly and artistically appointed, it is a comfortable setting to meet friends over tea and desserts, hear live jazz, play games, attend stimulating and extremely useful seminars and writing workshops! Workshops are held on a "pay what you can" policy. The workshops and seminars address political, cultural and social issues particularly of interest to people of color. The interior of Sista's Place has exposed brick walls, small round tables with table cloths and chairs. There are Afro-centric photos and paintings on the walls. Game boards are always out and ready in a bright and clean atmosphere.