Over 2,500 Austin residents and community leaders, anti-violence groups and community organizations turned out last Friday for BUILD’s second annual “summer of opportunity” street festival.
The event connected young people and families to a range of resources for a successful school year while celebrating summer with a positive community gathering.
15th District Police Commander Ernest Cato and state Rep. Camille Lilly welcomed participants and introduced U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who cited the event as an example of what is possible when many partners work together. Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, 29th Ward Ald. Chris Taliaferro and 37th Ward Ald. Emma Mitts also took part.
“Today is about connecting youth, family and community to support young people and prevent violence,” Durbin said. “For kids to reach their full potential — and live happy, healthy and productive lives — we need after-school and community programs that build skills and provide mentorship.
“I’m proud to support BUILD in their work across Chicago, and I am fighting in Washington to expand their models nationwide.”
“Summer of opportunity” brought together over 40 community partners, businesses and local leader-organized activities. The event was spearheaded by BUILD, an Austin-based youth and anti-violence organization that has served low-income communities on Chicago’s West, Near Northwest and South sides since 1969.
While turnout exceeded projections, the event took place in the shadow of ongoing violence, including shootings in Garfield Park Thursday night that took the life of a 15- year-old and wounded a 14-year-old; both young men were known to many in attendance at the event.
“It’s important to honor the beauty, strength and talent of the people of Austin – especially the youth who represent our future,” said Bradly Johnson, an Austin native who leads BUILD’s gang intervention, violence prevention and education programs.
“It’s not news that low-income youth can easily get in trouble with gangs. Most of the assets we need to address violence are already here, and hundreds of people are working hard to weave them together to create opportunities for young people.”
Over the past two years, the after-school programs, mentoring and anti-violence strategies of event partners have helped Austin chip away at violent crime that has cost hundreds of lives.
Police, anti-violence organizations and community groups in Austin regularly share ideas and resources to engage youth who are at highest risk of violence. While efforts are making a difference – crime in Chicago has trended downward – events like last week’s tragedies and over 50 weekend shootings highlights the troubling challenges that remain.
Activities at the Aug. 17th event included live entertainment, art projects, 3-on-3 basketball, climbing wall, inflatables, Project Exploration STEM Fair, Loretto Hospital Health Village and much more. The event included an afternoon balloon release and peace wall mural in remembrance of lost lives in Austin and other communities.
View photos from last week’s event here.
Breakthru Beverage Illinois, which spearheaded the first “summer of opportunity” in 2017, repeated its lead sponsorship role and organized over 150 volunteers. Other sponsors included:
- AIR-1 94.3FM
- Apple Computer
- Austin Coming Together
- Austin Child Care Providers Network
- American Red Cross
- the Chicago Community Loan Fund
- Chicago Cubs Charities
- Chicago Park District
- Chicago Police Department
- Comcast
- Communities Partnering 4 Peace
- Illinois Afterschool Network
- Institute for Non-Violence Chicago
- LEGOs
- Levy Restaurants
- Local Initiative Support Corp.
- Loretto Hospital
- Manufacturing Renaissance
- Michelle Clark Magnet High School
- Monterrey Security
- Pepsico
- Project Exploration
- Rush University Children’s Hospital
- Steppenwolf Theater
- Swift, Target Corp.
- UI Health
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Wells Fargo Bank.
“Our team at Breakthru truly feel connected to BUILD’s mission and the youth they serve, and we are honored to help make Summer of Opportunity happen,” said Art Wirtz, executive vice president of operations at Breakthru Beverage Illinois.
“Now, more than ever, it is critical that stand together for Chicago’s neighborhoods.”