Heal the Hood MKE’s 9th Annual Block Party is Back and Bigger than Ever
Ajamou Butler, Heal the Hood MKE founder, gets the word out about the block party’s big return. (Picture by Heal the Hood MKE)
The City of Festivals saw Summer 2020 crumble in front of its eyes. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a domino effect on every celebration in Milwaukee. Whether it was Summerfest or a Sunday street festival, if there were more than six people then it wasn’t happening.
While one of Milwaukee’s favorite block parties, Heal the Hood (HTH) had to physically call off the party, so they extended their resources to the community during 2020.
Rashidah Butler-Jackson, RBJ Community Consulting founder, said the party in 2020 might have been canceled but the work continued.
Rashidah Butler-Jackson came full circle from Heal the Hood organizer to Heal the Hood vendor. (Picture by RBJ Community Consulting)
“A lot of what we did during COVID was attach ourselves to people still doing the community work, and making sure that work was supported as much as possible,” Butler-Jackson said.
HTH continued to collaborate with local community organizations. They also stayed in contact with vendors and small businesses that might have took a hit during the pandemic.
“There were still a lot of things happening in the background because Heal the Hood isn’t just one day of the summer. It’s an intentional yearlong thing, where we’re constantly in the community supporting the work being done in a more collaborative way.”
Between buses, billboards, and HTH founder Ajamou Butler, anybody driving around Milwaukee will have quickly noticed that HTH is back and bigger than ever for 2021.
The HTH MKE resource fair and block party will be partnering with We Got This and Running Rebels on 9th and Ring on Saturday, July 17th, 2021. HTH has also been co-sponsored by The City of Milwaukee and the 414Life Violence Prevention Team.
Heal the Hood is coming back in a giant way. (Picture by Heal the Hood MKE)
“What I’m most excited about is that we really understand the value of Head the Hood. I think we kind of took it for granted because we always knew Heal the Hood and other events were happening year-round. So, after being in isolation for over a year, we really value a space where people can come together again,” Butler-Jackson said.
Along with free food and local vendors, the Milwaukee Flyers will be soaring through the air amongst Agape Yoga Martial Arts doing demonstrations, including other live local acts.
“There’s a lot of gratitude that comes along with being able to show up in this way for people. We’re still going to be safe and maintain distances, but we know people need to get back together,” Butler-Jackson said.
She said that when selecting HTH’s location, they were very strategic about supplying resources to those most in need. They looked into the data. Whether it’s high crime areas or incidents of gun violence, that’s where they go.
“When we go into the communities, the residents appreciate knowing we don’t need anything from them. It’s not just a photo op. We’re here to give and invest, and the people remember that,” Butler-Jackson said. “It’s great to be in an area where a lot of good work is already being done.”
Alderwoman Milele Coggs, 6th District, said it was a wonderful thing to have positive events like HTH.
Heal the Hood is a family reunion meets block party with a handful of resources and lot more smiles. (Picture by Heal the Hood MKE)
“I’m glad to see it’s return, so like-minded people looking for different ways to heal and prove their community can improve itself and have a meet-up event and enjoy each other’s comfort,” Coggs said.
She added that events like HTH broke down negative activity in the area. When neighbors know each other and interact, it can build a stronger neighborhood and better community. Events like HTH can have a ripple effect into following days and even the week.
“There are all of these different people from different walks of life. People are coming off their porches and meeting neighbors that they might have seen around the neighborhood for years,” said Butler Jackson.
She said it was her hope that the event could continue to be a catalyst for positivity and change in her community.
“Even if it takes place just for that moment, or that weekend, it gives me the reality that we can have peace in our communities and people can have good thriving lives,” she said.
HTH will also have a second Back to School Block Party at the Running Rebels facility on 13th and Fond Du Lac on August 28th, 2021. For more information visit Heal the Hood MKE.