Brixton, a lively area in the southern part of London, has gained a renowned reputation for blending music, food, languages, and resistance. The name ‘Brixton’ carries significant weight, indicating its potential for success.
The Brixton Culture Capital (BCC) collective aims to ensure that the individuals who contribute to Brixton’s cultural significance benefit from its recognition not only locally but on a global scale. Gerald Vanderpuye, a tech entrepreneur and a founding member of BCC, emphasizes the importance of leveraging the community’s cultural ‘capital’ for long-term prosperity.
According to Gerald, culture transforms into capital when it goes beyond its creators. He attributes Brixton’s unique capital to its exceptional diversity, having historically welcomed marginalized groups like refugees, the Windrush generation, and the LGBTQ community on Railton Road.
Highlighting the issue of ownership, Gerald stresses that cultural capital is a valuable asset that should be accessible to all. He mentions a past conflict involving a Californian apparel company, Brixton LLC, and a local business in Brixton, illustrating how Brixton’s influence is expanding globally.
To showcase the creators behind Brixton’s cultural richness, Gerald initiated a weekly newsletter with a substantial subscriber base. Drawing inspiration from Harlem, Gerald envisions Brixton following a similar path to economic prosperity by embracing its cultural heritage.
While acknowledging the wealth gap and lack of ownership in Brixton, Gerald emphasizes the need for cultural leaders to own commercial assets within the community. The collective’s strategy begins with the launch of a rum inspired by Jamaican bulla cake flavors, aiming to create a community-owned asset for both profit and enjoyment.
The limited edition Brixton Culture Capital rum, developed in collaboration with 30 local businesses, marks the collective’s first step towards monetization. The goal is to establish an asset that the community can own, benefit from, and take pride in.
In a demonstration of dedication to Brixton, Gerald purchased the first bottle of the exclusive rum, symbolizing the community’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage.