Family Fest aims to unify 8th Ward
Published 3:29 pm Tuesday, September 3, 2019
The True East Selma Youth and Community Development Collaborative will host its first 8th Ward Family Fest this Saturday.
The True East Selma Youth and Community Development Collaborative is a newly formed organization, which grew from a Facebook Group, by the people of East Selma in order to provide the community’s youth with activities to do so they can stay busy and out of trouble.
According to the organization’s executive director, Toby Johnson, East Selma used to have plenty of things to keep young people busy, like a swimming pool and a basketball court, but the community’s resources for activities have been eliminated due to recent developments like Mayor Darrio Melton’s decision to shut down the recreation department.
“When I was a child we had all kinds of things to do in East Selma,” said Johnson. “I shudder to think what would’ve happened to my brothers and I if we hadn’t been able to go to the pool all summer.”
According to Johnson, Saturday’s festival will serve as a way for the organization to let the community know about their mission, as well as gauge their interest in the activities they can provide for the community’s youth.
“If they want to play basketball, we’ll begin a basketball program, if they’d rather play golf or tennis we’ll play golf or tennis,” she said. “This is all about the kids.”
While the organization is focused on the community’s youth, there will be something for everyone at Saturday’s Family Fest.
The free festival will include food, games, music, bounce houses, giveaways and several health and wellness vendors.
“There’s going to be something for everyone,” said Johnson. “From the older people all the way down to the smallest children.”
Danisha Jackson, another of the Family Fest’s organizers, says that if Saturday goes well, there is hope to turn the event into an annual affair.
“We’re really trying to get people involved and rejuvenate the community,” she said. “Hopefully other wards can follow our example and create their own efforts to get their communities involved.”
Jackson added she’s looking forward to Saturday’s event.
“It’s been a long time since the people of East Selma have seen anything like this,” she said. “I’m looking forward to putting a smile on everyone’s face.”
The 8th Ward Family Fun Fest will take place this Saturday, Sept. 7, beginning at 11 a.m. at East Selma Park on Division Street.
The event is free to attend.
To find out more contact Johnson at (334) 505-7365 or Jackson at (334) 419-3385.
