Back by popular demand and just in time to celebrate the Labor Day holiday, the Change Center will be sponsoring an Old Skool Block Party, presented by Sterling “Sterl The Pearl” Henton. The block party will be held on Sunday, Sept. 4, from 5-8 p.m. at Harriet Tubman Park, 300 Harriet Tubman St.
“The first block party held in July was an unmitigated success. It reached beyond the walls and engaged citizens in the movement for change,” enthused Henton. “The community‘s enthusiasm and engagement in supporting a neighborhood event was contagious. As soon as the event was over, I was already planning and envisioning the next block party. “
The Change Center, projected to open in late 2017, will have free admission and moderate activity fees for attractions, games and concessions. In addition, the Change Center Jobs Initiative will include job training, direct entry-level jobs for young people within the Center, connections to jobs in the greater community, and entrepreneurial job creation.
The block party will feature street hockey with the Knoxville Ice Bears, music, face painting, Rita’s Italian Ice, the Urban Chess Club and family-friendly activities.
“The Ice Bears are excited about the opportunity to connect with the community. As ambassadors for the city, we want to be a part of an initiative that promotes leadership development and encourages young people to dream big while providing them the resources to soar personally and professionally,” said Knoxville Ice Bears Executive Vice President Dave Feather. “We realize that Knoxville is better and stronger when everyone feels connected and empowered, has marketable skills that provide sustainable incomes, encourages positive change and fosters hope for the future.”
In support of the Change 4 Change campaign, a collection tub will be placed by the DJ booth to collect pennies and change as part of capital fundraising for the Change Center. Citizens are encouraged to donate and share on social media using the hashtag #EveryPennyCounts.
“The Change 4 Change campaign is an opportunity for the community to have a personal investment in the Change Center,” explained the Center’s Executive Director, Nicole Chandler. “The foundation for lasting peace in our City has to start with members of the community. We want every person who donates – whether it is a few cents, a few dollars or several dollars – to feel like they are part of this movement to help create opportunities for success.”
For more information or to contribute to the Change Center, see www.changecenterknoxville.com. Nicole Chandler can be reached at 865-951-1567 or nicole@changecenterknoxville.com.
