A Milwaukee neighborhood organization brought residents together Friday for its 6th Annual Community Block Party, transforming a stretch of West Lisbon Avenue into a celebration of community, connection and family.
Hosted by Rooted & Rising in the Washington Park neighborhood, the free event featured arts and crafts, a bounce house, live music, food and a fire truck. Organizers say the annual gathering is about much more than a day of fun—it’s part of a year-round effort to strengthen relationships and help neighbors feel connected to the community they call home.
“It’s all about building community. It’s a safe environment for families to come out, eat good, have a good time, and just really build community, get to know your neighbors,” Adrian Spencer, deputy director of Rooted & Rising Washington Park, said.
Spencer said creating opportunities for neighbors to connect is especially important because many families are looking for safe, positive spaces where children and adults can spend time together.
Watch: Rooted & Rising hosts 6th annual block party to build community in Washington Park
Rooted and Rising hosts 6th annual block party
“We love being able to provide spaces that are safe for families… a way for the mom, the dad, the kids, uncle, auntie, grandparents to come out and just hang out and have a good time,” Spencer said.
Magen Thomas, community housing coordinator for Rooted & Rising, said the block party reflects the organization’s broader mission of helping create a stronger, more welcoming neighborhood.
“It is a way to build a more thriving, welcoming, safe community,” Thomas said…