People of Progression (POP), a volunteer organization focused on helping marginalized African-Americans in the Fox Valley, is hosting a Back 2 School Block Party on Sunday, August 28 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Taperz Barber Shop, according to a press release issued Thursday.
This Back 2 School Block Party will feature:
- COVID-19 vaccines. Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be provided through Multicultural Coalition, Inc. (must be 6 months or older to receive a vaccine)
- Eco-friendly, fair-trade teddy bears by Bears for Humanity
- Interpreters for Hmong and Spanish on-site to assist with vaccination questions
- Free haircuts and braiding
- Free school supplies
- Live music from DJ BWoop and Voices of Prophecy
- Prizes and giveaways
- Activities and games, including a video game tournament
- TikTok dance contest
- Bike giveaway
- Live artwork by Irineo E. Medina
- Face painting
- Mentorship programs
- Touch-a-truck
- 3-on-3 basketball tournament
- Free food and ice cream for kids
“Many families preparing to send children back to school are struggling to afford the supplies and services needed to get a child ready for school. We’re hoping to ease that burden a little bit for our community,” said Kristen Gondek, People of Progression co-founder. “This is more than just getting ready for school though. This is a celebration for families complete with live music, art and numerous forms of entertainment that center around Black culture and health.”
“Getting ready for school is also about making sure kids are healthy when they go back to class, which is why we’re providing equitable and attainable COVID-19 vaccines to anyone who stops by,” said Ernesto Gonzalez, board member of the Multicultural Coalition, Inc. and co-founder of Casa Hispana, Inc. “Right now, is the perfect time to get your COVID-19 vaccine before students are back in class.”
Taperz Barber Shop is located at located at 203 N. Richmond St. in Appleton. Attendees are asked to park in the parking lot behind the building.
The clinic will be hosted by: People of Progression, Multicultural Coalition, Inc., Red Shoes, Inc., Pointters Community Initiatives, NEW Hmong Professionals, Partnership Community Health Center, Casa Hispana, United Way, RISE, Valley Transit, CAP Services, Generational Guidance Group, Voices Randomish podcast, Taperz, DJ BWoop, Appleton Public Library, STAR, Voices of Prophecy, Building for Kids, SiSTAR, Fox Valley Literacy Group, Fox City Flix, Piña Límon, Be Well Eat Well, Able Village, a program of African Heritage Inc., Heavenly Wingz, DVSN 1, Legacy BBall League, Trending Topic, LLC, and Lindo Mexican Restaurant and Super Market.
