On November, 22nd at about 3pm, music started pumping and food started arriving at the tables that had been set up in several of the driveways of Carter Street. People from all parts of Carter Street (made up of 44 households on two blocks) began bringing our the turkeys or side dishes they had cooked for the rest of the street to share together. It was a great time with games for the kids, good music, great food, lots of neighbors coming together (some for the first time) and a lot of fun. We partied into the night and many people enjoyed the company and hang out time that some rarely get.

We were excited to see more people come out than last year with about 80 people coming through this time. We were even more excited to see that the Carter Street Block Club, which is made up of Carter Street residents who want to see positive transformation on their street, step up and take leadership on many levels. Some organized the cooking crews, some the set up and tear down, and others got the word out with fliers and door to door visits and food sign ups. Nate even fried up 4 turkeys all by himself! It was great to see much of the work handed over to those involved and much less of it falling on our team. It was also encouraging to have so many people donate supplies to the event from inside and outside of the community. We had 20 turkeys given by Old Cutler Presbyterian, 5 Thanksgiving Baskets given by Christ Fellowship, tables and chairs from FCFC, and Mosaic. Activiites for the kids by Greater St. Paul AME and lots of misc items from individual donors and U Rez Board members. It was a great time and great collective effort. We are looking forward to next year but more immediately it has served to raise awareness of Carter Street Block Club and the Ujiima Garden Initiative.

Thank you to everyone who contributed in their own meaningful way!

Posted on December 3rd, 2008 by Michael
Filed under: News