The spirit of community was palpable at the 3rd Annual Back to School Festival which took place at Indigenous People’s Park on August 24. Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr., the motivating force behind the event, hailed it as a “rousing success.” According to a statement provided by the City of Milwaukee, approximately 3,000 attendees turned out to engage in festivities that reached well beyond the scope of prepping for the academic year.
The agenda was about as packed as the backpacks given away, with free food, live music, children’s activities, and health and wellness information. The Milwaukee Police Department’s 7th District played an essential role. “They went above and beyond to help make the event a rousing success,” Chambers stated, emphasizing their partnership, as stated by the City of Milwaukee. Help also came from the MPD Office of Community Relations, Engagement, and Recruitment, which worked to ensure a safe environment for the celebrants. Chambers’ legislative assistant Glenda Oatis-McMiller, alongside Deborah Moore of the City Clerk’s Office, were mentioned as key players in bringing the festival to life.
While kids busied themselves in the Kids Fun Zone, parents had the opportunity to really talk with vendors and organizers, learning about resources designed to support their family’s health and educational growth. The events of the day were captured by RJ Harris Photography, ensuring that the memories of this community bonding experience would not soon be forgotten, as reported by the City of Milwaukee…