R.A.G.E. Keeps the Spirit of the Englewood Back to School Parade Alive
“WGN, DNA Info, or Fox News continue to air news stories about the shootings and hopelessness, we are not going to allow violence to kill the hope and peace we find in Englewood...”
For the last 2 years the Englewood Back to School Parade has been cancelled, which is a 51-year tradition in the neighborhood. Many of the families in Englewood relied on this event for school supplies as they prepped to go back to school in the fall. The Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.) is working diligently to keep that same spirit alive by hosting the finale of the “So Fresh Saturdays” series in Ogden Park, located at 6500 S. Racine on Saturday, August 24th from 4pm-9pm, which has been the home of the parade celebration for the last few decades.
Despite the cancellation of the Englewood Back to School Parade, R.A.G.E is optimistic that it will return and continue its legacy. “Our goal is to distribute at least 500 book bags and school supplies to students here”, states Chanel Phillips, R.A.G.E. member and parent at Kershaw Elementary. With the help of the Retired Professional Football Players of Chicago, Chicago Public School, elected officials, and personal donations, R.A.G.E. is determined to meet this goal. The group is still collecting school supplies or donations up until the day of the event. You contact R.A.G.E. directly at 866-845-1032, if you would like to donate or contribute to this cause.
The group hopes to uplift the spirit of peace and community with these events. “WGN, DNA Info, or Fox News continue to air news stories about the shootings and hopelessness here. We are not going to allow violence to kill the hope and peace we find throughout Englewood” says R.A.G.E. Co-Founder, Antoine Butler.
The line-up at Ogden Park will feature inspiring artists and groups such as, Aleph Beatz, Move Me Soul, T-Y Green, one of hip-hop’s underground favorites, Rita J and more. The association invites all to attend the finale celebration this weekend at Ogden Park, which will also host the Midnight Circus on Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th.
So Fresh Saturdays is free and open to the public. For more info contact R.A.G.E. at 866-845-1032 or email joinrage@gmail.com.
CONTACT:
Asiaha Butler, Co-Founder and President of R.A.G.E
866-845-1032 or joinrage@gmail.com
Follow R.A.G.E. on twitter @Join_Rage
The Resident Association of Greater Englewood (RAGE) is a resident-founded, resident-driven organization whose mission is to mobilize residents of the community, utilizing asset-based development and innovative organizing techniques.
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