LUMA

This photo was taken earlier this year on a near perfect February day outside Vox Pop (“Voice of the People”), the former coffee shop/political space/restaurant/bar/book store in Brooklyn neighborhood Ditmas Park/Flatbush. Everyone was inside - except — unless you look closely, you’ll miss him! — for this funny dog seated on a bench right outside the window.

Vox Pop was known for its unique role as a successful political and community gathering space, operating as such since 2004.

For my birthday this year, I invited friends to join me on Cortelyou Road, a strip which features a mix of the eclectic, the hip, and the old school. First stop: drinks at flower-shop-by-day, bar-at-night Sycamore, then dinner at tiny Tibetan restaurant, Cafe Tibet. Our last stop for tea & cake was Vox Pop, never anticipating in a few months, it would be closed for good.

Beginning late 2009, Vox Pop’s financial troubles came to light and the cafe was shut down. In a major effort, neighbors and fans rallied to save it. The corporation’s board put shares up for purchase (I own one share!) to further involve the community in the coffee shop’s future and help pay off the debts. It felt like Vox Pop would make it.

A lack of transparency, oversight and bad business decisions put Vox Pop in jeopardy again and on August 24th it was seized by the state for failure to pay back taxes. This time, this unparalleled space will not be reopening.

Vox Pop … Now:

Photos: Cathryn