Written by H. Rivers | 24 August 2010

A few blocks outside of center city Charlotte, the smell of hotdogs filled the air as community residents popped the tops on soda cans while catching up with their neighbors. Children's laughter complimented the sounds of DJ One Ton who provided the soundtrack for the event. A day to remember; Hula hoops, badminton, rub on tattoos, and a friendly game of golf kept the children entertained as more baby strollers rolled down neighborhood streets, making their way to the party.

Optimist Park community members join hands to encourage education

While 10am on a Saturday morning is a quiet time in most neighborhoods, the Optimist Park community was wide awake bright and early and ready to party! On August 21^st the center for good vibes was the intersection of 15^th and N. Davidson streets. A few blocks outside of center city Charlotte, the smell of hotdogs filled the air as community residents popped the tops on soda cans while catching up with their neighbors. Children's laughter complimented the sounds of DJ One Ton who provided the soundtrack for the event. A day to remember; Hula hoops, badminton, rub on tattoos, and a friendly game of golf kept the children entertained as more baby strollers rolled down neighborhood streets, making their way to the party. Special visits from Charlotte's well known mascots including Homer (Charlotte Knights), Ruphus (Charlotte Bobcats), and Sir Purr (Carolina Panthers) made the event even more memorable. The Charlotte Fire Department also made an appearance allowing the youth to tour their trucks. Although the occasion looked like the typical neighborhood celebration with a common goal of entertainment for the entire family, there was more to this event than surface objectives.

A collaborative effort that came about after JR Williams and the OPCA (Optimist Park Community Association) joined hands with the Area 15 Art Community and its tenants; The Optimist Park "Back 2 School" Block Party was a tremendous success. Event coordinators say they are encouraged at the turnout and the number of school age children that were able to benefit from the program. Organizers also state there were two main objectives for the block party. The first was to provide a positive and safe environment for community residents while encouraging unity within the community and family unit. The second objective was to encourage all community members to be more attentive to education and the success of neighborhood youth. Donated school supplies which included a number of scientific calculators were allocated to students and parents who expressed a need. Supply recipients remarked they were glad for the assistance.

"As business owners in the neighborhood, we recognize our obligation to improve the community through its members and most importantly its youth. While many of us understand the statement "it takes a village to raise a child" we must also recognize its magnitude and apply the concept. Collectively our mindset as members of any community should be how can we help every child not just my own to succeed?" says Hope Rivers, owner of MoaZen Jewelry.

According to event visionaries, "The Optimist Park Back to School Block Party is the first step in getting everyone on the same page. Education is key and we will do our part to encourage it."

Event Sponsors:

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