Sadiq L. Bellamy: Founder of the Soul Summit

In 2002, Sadiq L. Bellamy and a few business partners decided they were sick of the same old junk on the radio, and started the annual Soul Summit Music Festival — which would go on to become one of the neighborhood’s most popular parties.

"I grew up during the so-called disco age, when what would later be called hip-hop music was in its infancy,” said Bellamy. “Music was played throughout parks by the best DJs in NYC! Radio was very influential at this time and New York City stations in particular were at the forefront of the national music scene as far as R&B is concerned.”

So Bellamy took it upon himself to remind the neighborhood of that time.

A longtime DJ who moved to Fort Greene from the Lower East Side in 1991, Bellamy longed for the days of the old-fashioned block party.

“I think Soul Summit is a continuation of what one would experience in the 1970's music scene,” Bellamy said. “Except it happens outdoors and is free to the public.”

Indeed, today the Soul Summit Music Festival is a staple of Fort Greene’s cultural scene. The event, which takes place in Fort Greene Park on Sunday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the latter part of the summer, welcomes a diverse group of artists including DJ’s, dancers, local bands, photographers and fashion designers.

For many residents of Fort Greene the popular event also provides an opportunity to catch up with friends and family.

“People travel from London, California and Japan to come see the festival,” said Bellamy. “We receive hundreds, if not thousands, of emails throughout the winter with anticipating questions about the start of Soul Summit Music because it provides a unique blend of culture, foods, restaurants, and people that NYC has always been known for.”

Summer can’t come soon enough.