Presented by BK BP Antonio Reynoso
A week ago, on Wednesday, February 4th, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, commenced his office’s 2026 Black History Month events with a “Brooklyn’s Finest: LEGENDS IN FOCUS” celebration of Brooklyn’s pivotal role in the evolution of Hip-Hop culture. The evening gathering consisted of two parts.
First were presentations and performances in the outer chamber. Afterwards the attendees were ushered into a side room where closer analysis of some historic photos as well as discussion with the photographers. Three Brooklyn legends, “OG’s” Jamel Shabazz, Johnathan Rheingold and Fab 5 Freddy, were especially honored.
Surrounded by a semi-circle of classic photographs showing 1980’s and 90’s youth and young adults posing in the neighborhood, BP Reynoso stepped to the podium and welcomed the scores of enthusiastic attendees. Respecting the moment all got quiet to receive a spectacular rendition of the Black national anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by “A Song for Life”.
Then with a large, classic picture of Biggie Smalls wearing a crown on his head set up on display to the BP’s left, Mr. Reynoso told the crowd how much hip-hop means to Brooklyn and his leadership and life. A late bloomer though, he admitted to not getting into the culture until his sophomore year min high school.
Deputy Borough President Kim Council surprised some by leaving no doubt about her history as she spit classic hip-hop bars that had some in the audience asking for links to her tracks. Both officers spoke of the importance of celebrating Black history, especially with the current occupant of the white house. Borough President Reynoso now knows hip-hop and introduced in succession legends Johnathan Rheingold, Fab 5 Freddy, Jamel Shabazz.
Johnathan Rheingold, “The Closer”, was first up to accept their certificate of merit from the BP office and to share their wisdom and experience with the attentive hip-hop and Black history enthusiasts. He was the official installation curator. With much energy he pointed out the photos that hung from the balcony above.
Datwon Thomas joined him at the podium and together they urged folks to stay for the discussion and live talk during part two. The next legend to be honored was Jamal Shabazz. With their simplicity, clarity and realness, Jamal photos have been displayed around the world.
“A Time Before Crack” is his signature work. Having travelled much he spoke about seeing art and Hip-Hop as a global language. Nonetheless Jamal Shabazz admitted that many of his favorite photos were taken right down the block from Brooklyn Borough Hall, on Fulton St. in front of the former Albee Square Mall.
Jamal then called to the podium another Bklyn legend “the Original” Fab 5 Freddy who glided to the stage elegantly in his fedora hat. After sharing insight about his journey the Hancock St., Bed-Stuy native thanked the community for supporting his entertainment career and announced his upcoming new book entitled “Everybody’s Fly”.
Jamal and Fab then went to the back of the room to take pictures and engage their fans and colleagues.
Soon after munching on the delicious snacks provided by Brownsville Hub Cooperative, we were ushered into the side room for the Live Talk hosted by Datwon Thomas. Video screens displayed iconic photos that were described by Johnathan Rheingold and others who were in the room. Fab, Jamal and Borough president Reynoso and staff also joined the Live Talk and closed the evening with networking and good will sharing.
