Rainbow PUSH Coalition Hosts Annual Back-to-School Block Party

Photo by Brionna Poole
Photo by Brionna Poole

Rainbow PUSH Coalition Hosts Annual Back-to-School Block Party, Distributes Over 500 Backpacks and $20,000 in Gift Cards to Chicago Families and Teachers

Chicago, IL — PUSH Excel, an initiative of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, hosted its annual Back-to-School Block Party on Saturday, August 23, at the organization’s headquarters (930 E. 50th St., Chicago, IL 60615), providing critical resources to hundreds of Chicago families and educators ahead of the new school year.

This year’s event distributed more than 500 free backpacks filled with school supplies, 300 bags of groceries from Mariano’s, fresh produce from In His Hands Farmers Market, and $20,000 in gift cards to help teachers stock their classrooms.

The day kicked off with the Saturday Morning Broadcast and Back-to-School Forum at 10:00 AM. The broadcast featured remarks from community and education leaders, including:

  • Alderman Lamont Robinson
  • Z Scott, President, Chicago State University
  • Will Barefield, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment, City Colleges
  • Gerald Morrow, Chicago Principals and Administrators Association
  • Dr. Myiti Sengstack-Rice, CEO, Chicago Defender Charities
  • Stacy Davis Gates, President, Chicago Teachers Union
  • Dion Steele, Principal, Art in Motion – Creative Arts School
  • Dr. Macquline King, Interim CEO, Chicago Public Schools

Following the forum, families enjoyed the Back-to-School Block Party from 11 AM to 2 PM, where educators who presented a valid school ID received a $100 gift card to offset the cost of school supplies. There were appearances by Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton, State Senator Robert Peters,  State Representative Kim DuBuclet. Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas, and Chicago Public Schools Board Member Rhymefest. The party also featured:

  • The Black Fire Brigade and bounce houses
  • Live performances by Timeless Gifts, Zion Ali, DJ L O Kari, and The Happiness Club
  • Over 25 community vendors offering workforce development resources, job training opportunities, health and wellness services, government program enrollment (including Medicaid and utility assistance), and youth-focused programs.

The event was made possible through the generous support of Mariano’s, Lettuce Entertain You, Delta Airlines, PepsiCo, and Lola + the Boys.

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