The YWCA of the Greater Triangle will host a Community Block Party this Saturday, June 20, as a fun way to open dialogue among residents in Central and Southeast Raleigh.

This free "Party With a Purpose" is the creation of the YWCA in cooperation with the City of Raleigh, the Thompson-Hunter Neighborhood Association and the South Central Citizens Advisory Council (CAC). The Block Party is open to the public and will take place at the YWCA at 554 East Hargett Street, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The event will feature live music, free food and refreshments, children's activities, health screenings, workshops on diversity, and the unveiling of a 26 foot mural painted by local artists.

The goal of the Block Party is to bring together Central and Southeast Raleigh residents for a fun event that empowers the community and increases understanding of the impact of economic disparities in the area.

"We're excited to partner with the City, the area CACs, and the Thompson-Hunter Neighborhood Association to welcome community residents to enjoy the Block Party," said Folami Bandele, executive director, YWCA of the Greater Triangle. "Our role is to bring together women and men who strive to improve the social and economic conditions that affect families in our community. It's a great day to be outside, meet new neighbors and enjoy community spirit with diverse families that may not often interact."

Also on tap for Saturday, the YWCA will unveil a 26-foot outdoor mural painted by local artists as a tribute to community diversity and the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A second mural of eight feet will be unveiled indoors at the YWCA.

The YWCA Block Party is a partnership with the City of Raleigh, the South Central Citizens Advisory Council, and the Thompson-Hunter Neighborhood Association. The public is encouraged to attend, with families from Southeast Raleigh and neighborhoods across the city uniting to participate. The event will include live music and DJ, moonwalk, face painting and puppet shows for kids, free food, spoken word artists, blood pressure and glucose screenings, smoking cessation, and HIV screenings, among many other activities.

The YWCA draws together women and men who strive to improve the social and economic conditions that affect girls, women and their families.
Established locally in 1923, YWCA programs address disparities that still exist in health, education and economics to make life-changing differences for thousands of area families. YWCA programs are represented through four core initiatives: Women's Empowerment, Racial Justice, Youth Development, and Health and Wellness. As a private, non-profit organization, the YWCA is dedicated to promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.