Small business owner Hollis Barclay hosts first BHM African American trailblazer brunch

Small business owner Hollis Barclay whose Bleu Fin Bar & Grill has received full support of the community over the past five years, showed her appreciation by hosting a first ever Black History Month African American Trail Blazer Brunch, at 633 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, on Sunday, Feb. 25.

Certificates of Honor inscribed – As an African American Trailblazer – Thank You for your Excellence and Service – were presented to Reverend Dr. Clive E.  Neil, head of Bedford Central Presbyterian Church, Reverend Dr. David K. Allen, founder of Epic Village Community Development Corp., Crown Heights. He is also a senior pastor at the Bethel Tabernacle AME Church, in Crown Heights.

Also honored were Oma Halloway, chief operations officer of Bridge Street Development Corporation, and Petula Hanley, Democracy Beyond Elections Coalition, manager at the Participatory Budgeting Project, and community outreach coordinator for Epic Village Development Corp. Wayne Devonish, founder of 500 Making a Difference, and Assemblywoman Stefanie Zinerman, honorees, were not present.

Barclay says, “as we celebrate Black History Month, I want to reflect on my incredible journey and give thanks to those who have helped me along the way, during the period when I owned a Spa, and now Bleu Fin. I was carried on the shoulders of many, so I felt today was the right time to honor those who helped me.”

“Many who are here today were patrons of the Spa, it is a 360-degree moment. I am fortunate that whatever industry I have been in, clients followed me,” she said, and thanked her community partners.

The beautifully decorated Bleu Fin Bar & Grill, serving fine Guyanese, American, and Caribbean fare, has been in business for the past five years. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Rev. Allen said Bleu Fin has played an integral partner in many community events his organization has hosted at the eatery, including, a conversation session to help “bridge the gap between the Jewish, Caribbean, and African American communities, while understanding the differences between them.

“These sessions were also to shed light on how to minimize the amount of hate crimes happening, especially within the black community,” said Dr. Allen, who traces his roots to Antigua, Great Britain, and Africa.

Petula Hanley first met Barclay when she was sourcing a black-owned spa and became a patron. She said they bonded as parents, and became friends, and later joined forces to advocate for better services in the community, traveling to New York City Hall, and Albany. Our partnership continued when Bleu Fin opened years later.”

“I am happy that she has taken the time to appreciate those who have helped her on her journey. I feel very honored to be friends with her, and as an unofficial partner. It is important for us as black woman to support each other,” said Hanley, an Antiguan national.

Rev. Neil said he met Barclay, as a friend to Petula a patron of Bleu Fin and have worked with the entrepreneur through a community feeding program during the coronavirus pandemic, noting that the Guyanese-born businesswoman was very helpful in this regard, leaving a lasting impression on him, as a businessperson. Her heart was in the community, and she wanted to give back.”

“I am honored that she is celebrating this month, and people who serve, and continue to be in this adventure of service, he said and reiterated how honored he was to be recognized in the community he has served for 35 years, and by someone who continues to affect the community. Thank you, so much Hollis, he added.

Some of the dishes include Pepperpot and Bread, Saltfish and Bake, Waffles, Pancakes, as well as cocktails and Sorrel drink, are served at Bleu Fin Bar & Grill. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Oma Halloway, a longtime community member said she met Barclay as a patron of her Spa, where she enjoyed great massages. She described Barclay as a generous businesswoman, who she worked with over many years.

“She made sure young people had an opportunity to work in her business, as well as in community-based projects, because she wanted to give back.”

“She has been a wonderful steward for this community. I really respect our partnership. She is now working with the Merchants Association to revitalize Nostrand Avenue,” said Halloway who moved from the Southside of Chicago and took up residence in Bed Stuy over 30 years ago.

“I’m about history, and black women who have made an impact in the community. I am proud to be honored by a phenomenal black woman who is very respectful of our community, and proud of our culture. To honor me, when I have always honored her, means a lot,” said Halloway.

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