University of Louisville’s Youth Violence Prevention Research Center (YVPRC), an entity of the School of Public Health and Information Sciences (SPHIS), along with the Rajon Rondo Foundation and the Louisville Metro Mayor’s Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods are hosting a free Back-to-School bash on Sunday, Aug. 12, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Children and youth in attendance can take part in games and enjoy free food from local food trucks. Organizers plan to have school supply give-aways, and community partners will be on hand to provide information about social services for youth. Beauticians will offer free hair styling and braiding. Those interested should arrive with clean hair, without hair products in their hair. Vouchers for haircuts also will be given out at the event.
Participants can hear live music by local artists Sound Jones, Destiny Dance Company and Shades of Ebony. In addition, local radio station B96 will be broadcasting live from the Back-to-School bash.
The event, located at Central High School Football Stadium, 1401 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., focuses on the theme, “Peace Together Justice” and aims to bring awareness to the YVPRC’s three-year campaign aimed at reducing youth violence in Louisville by practicing Pride, Peace, Prevention.
The goal of the media/social media campaign is to reduce violence by opposing the perception that violence is normal, accepted and expected, particularly among African American youth. The effort combats violence by making youth aware of their own pride and history. It also seeks to foster community dialogue around difficult issues such as racial and social injustices. In doing so, the YVPRC hopes to raise critical consciousness in an effort to promote racial justice and reduce youth violence.