Welcoming Communities Grants promote York city’s connectedness

Downtown Inc announced the recipients of its 2022 Welcoming Communities Grants, all of whom will host events that contribute to creating a welcoming and connected community for York city residents through diversity, accessibility and cultural representation.

Administered by Downtown Inc, the program is made possible through the financial support of Better York, Powder Mill Foundation, the York County Community Foundation and in partnership with the Cultural Alliance of York County.

A total of $15,000 in grants were allocated to 15 organizations/individuals:

• Eighth Annual Stop the Violence Event, hosted by House of Reconciliation Church, to promote love, peace and unity; to spread kindness by providing free food and helpful resources to those in need; to offer emotional and spiritual support to families and friends who have been impacted by acts of violence; and to continue working to make York a safer place to live.

• Bilingual Shakespeare in the Park, hosted by OrangeMite Studios, a free event that hosts bilingual performances of Shakespeare and Spanish language playwrights in an outdoor, communal setting.

• Celebration of Diaspora Art, Music and Culture, hosted by Malomsyart Collection, showcasing art, music, culture, fashion and food from the African Diaspora.

• “Ballin 4 Bouk,” hosted by Russy’s Sweet Treats, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for younger players (10-18). All proceeds are donated to a scholarship fund.

• DreamWrights Summer Block Party 25th Anniversary Celebration, an event with food trucks, community booths, vendors, interactive activities for all ages, and live entertainment.

• HOPE-fest 2022: “A Celebration of Community, Culture and Citizenship!” hosted by Shiloh Baptist Church, providing a platform where the citizens, cultures and communities of York city and county can be celebrated. Participants engage in a week of activities.

• Juneteenth Community Block Party, hosted by Union Evangelical Lutheran Church, with free food, kids’ activities, bounce houses, entertainers, and diverse organizations/leaders highlighting a variety of resources.

• Juneteenth York 2022, hosted by Juneteenth York, featuring minority-owned business vendors, food trucks, art displays, children’s art and play activities, live demonstrations and more.

• NENA Block Party, hosted by Northeast Neighborhood Association, bringing together community resources and free children’s activities, local entertainment and food.

• The New American Welcome Center Welcoming Week, hosted by YMCA of York and York County, a partnership between YMCA of the USA and Welcoming America. Every September, YMCAs across the country host a weeklong series of events that bring people from diverse cultures together to celebrate and recognize the impact of newcomers.

• Salem Square Block Party: TOGETHER WE CAN/JUNTOS PODEMOS, encouraging residents to get to know their neighbors and the variety of cultures in Salem Square.

• Second Friday Latino, hosted by Latinos Unidos of York, a free community celebration of York’s cultural diversity and strong Latinx community.

• Summer Wellness Event, hosted by Jump2fit Inc., to showcase the arts and sport of Double Dutch.

• The Trey and Boo Classic Basketball Tournament, hosted by Helping Offer Options & Directions, an 18-team tournament created in honor of Catrell “Trey” McCanic and Ricardo “Boo” Banks, who were murdered at a young age.

• What the Food Trucks, hosted by Working Progress, a Labor Day Sunday admission-free block party with 40 food trucks.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer.