Community Corner
Florence Timothy: A Lifelong Community Activist
The native of Trinidad and Tobago has dedicated much of her life to Fort Greene.
Locals refer to Florence Timothy as “ Miss Florence,” a title that hints at the respect she has earned through a lifetime of community activism in Fort Greene.
Raised by a devout Christian family in Trinidad and Tobago, Timothy immigrated to New York in the 1960s to make a better life for her family. She worked for years at the flagship Saks Fifth Avenue store in Manhattan as a manager in the fine jewelry department and eventually used her business skills to open a wedding and special occasion’ s boutique in Fort Greene before retiring many years later.
In 2005, after several years assisting adult vendors, Florence started the Young Entrepreneur Sidewalk Sale on Clinton Avenue, an annual gathering for local kids in the neighborhood to show off their innovative sides.
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The event, now approaching its sixth year, is held the first weekend after Labor Day and allows children between ages 8 to 16 years old to peddle their wares: from toys to baked goods to face paint.
“This event brings friends, family and neighbors for a day of fun, laughter and sales,” said Timothy.
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The success of the Young Entrepreneur Sidewalk Sale has been lauded by local politicians including Brooklyn Councilwoman Letitia James and Borough President Marty Markowitz.
But Florence’ s community activism doesn’ t end with budding entrepreneurs. She also helps with Teen Challenge, a drug and alcohol recovery center in Fort Greene. She also assists fundraising efforts for Other People In Need, a local soup kitchen that feeds the homeless.
Even after all that, Timothy finds the time to raise funds for local churches, works with local residents on block beautification projects and has supported Bishop Loughlin High School’ s scholarship program.
When she’ s not walking around Fort Greene with her ever-present cart, Florence can be found worshipping at her church, Queen of All Saints.
“I’ m a little busybody,” said Timothy, “But as long as God continues to bless me with good health I will continue to do what I can to uplift my community.”
