A veteran comic has opened a new Black-owned comedy and live music venue in Brooklyn.
Ray Dejon transformed a location that previously served as a supermarket into the venue now known as 275 Park, News 12 Brooklyn reported.
Dejon, who was a co-host on the popular hip-hop show known as Video Music Box, is now focusing on his career in comedy. The Brooklyn native has been hosting several shows at various venues in New York. And now, he has opened a venue to bring relief to his hometown residents.
“We are the first Black-owned comedy club performance venue in Brooklyn, New York, and one out of two in the entire New York City,” he said.
He added, “In our community, especially in our communities, we’re oppressed, and people are not having a good time. People are struggling. Comedy is a relief, comedy is a medicine.”
Dejon, who has been incarcerated 26 times, has used comedy to change his life for the better. The 61-year-old entrepreneur said stars like Kevin Hart, Tracey Morgan, JB Smoove and Mike Epps have performed at shows he hosted through the years.
“I really feel like sense of humor has helped me through everything, whether it’s incarceration, substance abuse, domestic violence, and now it has afforded me a career in comedy,” Dejon said in the same interview with News 12.
DeJon has been hosting weddings, fashion shows, sports events, comedy shows and other events for over 25 years, according to his website. As host of Video Music Box, the DeJon Entertainment founder interviewed stars, including Stevie Wonder, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx and Alicia Keys.
DeJon is also traveling the country as a motivational speaker. The Brooklyn native works closely with the youth to speak on issues such as domestic violence and substance abuse.
As for the comedy club, the New York Kings of Comedy show will be held at the venue on New Year’s Eve weekend.
“I’ve created a tremendous service to our community,” Dejon said.