Baton Rouge, La. — June 10, 2022 – Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced today upcoming community events as a part of Summer of Hope, an 8-week initiative under Safe Hopeful Healthy Baton Rouge. Summer of Hope is a coalition of organizations and citizens working together to reduce violence in our community. The initiative is bringing hope and needed resources directly to neighborhoods, streets, and families that have experienced violence. Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming events and to connect with resources they need to improve their overall health and wellness. 

Upcoming events for families and youth: 

• Friday, June 10 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Join the Southern University Law Center Office of Innovation & Strategic Partnerships & Initiatives for their Expungement Initiative Session. This event, held at the Southern University Law Center Atrium, welcomes questions about expungement. Attendees are required to bring the following: a background check from Louisiana State Police; a certified copy of minutes; and a certified copy of Bill of Information. For more information regarding this event, contact Marla Dickerson at mdickerson@sulc.edu.
• Friday, June 10 6-7:30 p.m.: Join Mayor Pro Tempore Lamont Cole and Shoppers Value Foods for the 5th Annual Pedal for Peace. Bikers will start at Shoppers Value at 5355 Government Street, ride to Howell Park, rest and socialize, and then ride back to Shoppers Value. 
• Friday, June 10 7 p.m.: Join the EBR Parish Library for Friday Night Movies on the Plaza for the screening of Disney Pixar’s Luca. The Main Library at 7711 Goodwood Blvd invites all for an outdoor, family-friendly movie on the big screen with snowball and snack vendors, as well as an after-movie dance party!
• Saturday, June 11 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Join Community Against Drugs and Violence (CADAV) and BREC for their inaugural Kidz Fest at Scotlandville Parkway at Bradley Road and Veterans Drive. This event will celebrate, educate, and inspire youth in our community. From inflatables and health screenings, to local talent and kickball, this event offers something for the entire family. Looking to get an early start? Join the 1K walk and 2K run at 8:30 a.m. In light of this year’s theme, “Kids & Entrepreneurship” youth vendors ages 18 and under are encouraged to showcase their business by signing up at form.jotform.com/221004879773158.
• Saturday, June 11 10 a.m.-noon: Join When You Are Ready for their Sober Saturday Outreach at 9829 Airline Hwy. They will be canvassing areas where overdoses often occur to connect those interested in recovery to peer support specialists and treatment programs. 
• Saturday, June 11 noon-3 p.m.: Join the Baton Rouge Community Street Team (BRCST) for their first Heal the Block event at the Leo S. Butler Community Center, 950 E. Washington St. Each Saturday, the Baton Rouge Community Street Team is bringing hope, dinners, celebration, and community resources directly to streets, neighborhoods, and families that have experienced violence. Residents are encouraged to be on the lookout for a Healing the Block event in their neighborhood later this summer!
• Wednesday, June 15, 6 p.m. at Baton Rouge Community College Magnolia Theater: The screening of Uncommon Allies, a film about a Kansas City mother named Rosilyn Temple who turned her pain of losing a son to violence into progress to help heal her community.
• Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m.: Join the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Greater Baton Rouge for the 18th Annual Terral Jackson, Sr. Ole’ Skool Variety Greek Show. Meet DJ Marquis, Tony King, Cassie Cole, TJ Jackson, and all of the Divine 9 fraternities and sororities at the Southern University F.G. Clark Activity Center for a night showcasing the legacy and impact of Black Greek Letter Organizations in Baton Rouge. Tickets are $20 a person and can be purchased at www.18thannualoleskoolgreekshow.eventbrite.com. Children ages 4 and under are free.
• Saturday, June 18th, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Galvez Plaza, Downtown: Come down and celebrate Juneteenth with Unity Fest. This will be a family-picnic-style event. A jam-packed day filled with live performances, music, food, and fitness activities. Entertainment includes bands “Universal Language” and “Esco Soul Music” along with DJ Kicks and DJ Marquis. There will also be panel discussions at the River Center Branch Library Downtown with topics like economic empowerment, mental health, and public safety.

“Having positive outlets and community events supports the healing of our city. Safe Hopeful Healthy BR’s Summer of Hope initiative is not only amplifying various healing events and community resources, we are also creating direct opportunities for residents to participate and connect. From street engagement to celebratory events promoting fellowship among our residents, this summer offers an opportunity for every street, neighborhood, and resident to reclaim the joy and hope we all deserve,” said Mayor Broome. “This effort works proactively to mitigate and intervene in our most vulnerable neighborhoods impacted by violence.”

Every week, residents are encouraged to join Mayor Broome, Safe Hopeful Healthy BR, and partners at events taking place around Baton Rouge. Community Organizations interested in amplifying their events as a part of the Summer of Hope community calendar can submit their event details to tinyurl.com/summerofhopebr.