Columbus non-profit organizes block party to foster unity and combat violence
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A local non-profit dedicated to community safety and security is getting ready to throw its biggest event of the year: its annual block party.
We Are Linden founder Ralph Carter said Saturday’s event is all about putting the unity in community. He said the block party is the last hurrah for summer to bring kids and families together and make a big push to end to violence in Columbus.
“We have to get back into that village mindset. If we do not, then this stuff is going to continue to happen,” Carter said. “We have to understand that these children need guidance. And if we are not able to do it related to you or not, then we’re not in their mindset and we have to be in a village mindset being able to change our own mindsets as humans, as as people.”
Carter said this year’s event, which will take place at St. Stephen’s Community House, will have games, free clothing giveaways and family fun. He said this summer, We Are Linden has worked hard to keep youth engaged and out of trouble through summer programming.
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He said every time he sees the homicide rate go up — even though it is lower than year’s past — it hurts him.
“When you see the number, it hurts, I mean, you have over 70 individuals lose their life to violence, any sort of violence,” Carter said. “It hurts to see those families are impacted. The children are attached. Everybody is attached to this person’s death.”
Carter said he hopes the block party spreads positivity and encourages people to be a part of change. He said they will be giving away free T-shirts to everyone who attends. He said they will also have their thrift shop on wheels there.
The block party kicks off Saturday at noon at St. Stephens Community House, 1500 E 17th Ave. It will go until 4 p.m.
Carter asks attendees to register online at the We Are Linden website before they come. They are currently expecting around 1,000 people.
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