Photo by Robert Bell
With the Milwaukee Public School System returning to classes this week, and many other schools already in session, many children and families will be gearing up for the fall semester.
In celebration of a return to the academic year in the Harambee community, the community based organization known as the Harambee Great Neighborhood Initiative (HGNI) recently hosted its first annual Back to School Park Celebration at Clinton & Bernice Rose Park, located in the heart of the Harambee community.
At this August 28th event, the HGNI invited residents, fellow community based organizations, area schools, youth groups, and public officials to celebrate not only a return to the school year, but also to invite the community to take part in bringing back positive activity and programming to the park itself.
After distributing one hundred free backpacks filled with school supplies to children in attendance, as well as providing a complimentary cookout lunch to roughly two hundred area residents of all ages, the success of this event shows that not only is there a need for additional educational resources in the community, but that a park such as Clinton & Bernice Rose is an ideal place and space to gather as a community around positive activity such as education, athletics, the arts, etc…
Over the last year, the HGNI has been leading an effort to revitalize the ten acre county park.
With continuous input from area residents, the HGNI has collaborated with the Milwaukee County Parks Department, County Supervisor Willie Johnson, the Clinton Rose Senior Center, and others to shine a light on this culturally and historically significant crown jewel of the community.
By cultivating and reviving activity, there will continue to be opportunities for increased awareness about the park, health and wellness, fitness, urban agriculture, intergenerational activity, public safety, resident communication, and a revised sense of place.
Known to many by its former name of “Garfield Park”, the park has a long history of bringing the Harambee community together around athletics, live music, entertainment, as well other positive community events.
Over the past year of planning and activity at the park, the community at large has voiced an overwhelming response in support of the need to revitalize one of its prized public spaces for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
If you are interested in joining the effort at Clinton & Bernice Rose Park, as well as learning more about all of the positive work going on in the Harambee community, please contact the Harambee Great Neighborhood Initiative by phone at 414-364-6486, or by email at leifo@riverworksmke.org