The annual Unity Picnic hosted by the Urban League returns this weekend for its 12th year with food, performance and family-friendly activities.
The Unity Picnic started 12 years ago as a welcoming party for the Urban League’s president Dr. Ruben Anthony. When he arrived, ideas were thrown around like a formal banquet, but Dr. Anthony wanted an event more tailored to the community. The Unity Picnic has since been a yearly tradition where people from all over Madison come out to celebrate the work of the Urban League, and it in turn say thank you to the community for its support.
“It’s part for us to really bring the community together, community building time, in bring people together in a positive environment for some fun and food and entertainment,” said Ed Lee, vice president of the Urban League.
The picnic will continue with its mainstays of barbeque, music, entertainment and family-friendly activities. For the second time, a pop-up market will be held featuring local businesses from across the area. The pop-up market has been a frequent inclusion since the Black Business Hub opened in 2024.
Newer additions will see Badger players attend, a partnership with the Urban League Guild and Red Cross for a sickle cell blood drive and the unveiling of bricks and pavers from those who donated to the Black Business Hub’s capital campaign.
“The Urban League Guild does sickle cell blood drives. That’s one of their signature events,” Lee said. “We thought it would be a good opportunity during the Unity Picnic since people are already there. It’s a great opportunity to raise some visibility around that.”
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes blood cells to become rigid, stick and crescent —or sickle — shaped. The disorder is most common for those with African ancestry, with more than 90% of cases affecting African Americans in the United States, according to the CDC.
Blood donations are key for treatment, but the summer — known as the “100 Deadly Days of Summer” in the medical community — sees a 20% drop in donations due to school breaks and vacations, according to America’s Blood Centers.
Bricks and pavers have been recently installed in honor of those who donated towards the creation of the Black Business Hub. A ceremony at the Unity Picnic will be held to unveil its installation and note the site’s full completion.
“That’s a cool little thing this year. The city just finished up all of their multi-million dollar improvements to the site,” Lee said. “It’ll be our first time doing [the Unity Picnic] with all the improvements.”
The Unity Picnic will be held this Saturday, July 25, from noon-4 p.m. at the Urban League, 2222 S. Park St. The ceremony for the brick and paver installation will be at 10:30.
It is free to attend; no registration is required.
