Not before My Parents will host its 1st Annual Youth Explosion Pop Out Festival on Saturday June 23, 2018 located at Ogden Park in the Greater Englewood Community at the 6500 block of South Racine. This is a daylong free event centered on the youth and adults in the community learning how to make strategic moves using critical thinking skills learned through the art of chess.
NBMP will kick-off the day with its Youth Explosion Pop Out Festival with music by DJ Mac Cummings, all the way from Memphis, Tennessee doing his “explosive thang” on the turntables and clean comedy by Comedian Hot Sauce. The festival hosted by Chicago’s own Tonya Sutton will include free food, dancing, rap, singing and other special performances.
The second half of the day will include the outdoor activities “Fun Time Back in The Day” where youth will play outdoor games such as “1-2-3 Red Light, Double Dutch, Tug-O-War, 3 on 3 Basketball, Potato Sack Race, Hula Hoop and a Water Balloon Toss. Attendees are in for a fun filled experience, this event is an opportunity for adults to foster relationships with the youth, adults can unwind and be a child for a day too while enjoying an afternoon of play in the Greater Englewood Community.
“Youth in today’s society are so tied up into social media and electronics that the tradition of outdoor play has become lost. Youth are not being physically active nor are they learning the skills of how to interact in team settings, through Youth Explosion we hope to change this and we believe from skills learned from chess they can apply in everyday life,” says Raydell Lacey, Founder of Not Before My Parents.
Order of Events:
- 11am-1pm: “Chess Moves Against Violence” Youth & Adult Chess Lessons
- 1:30pm- 2:30pm: Youth Explosion– live music, dance, comedy, rap and other special performances
- 2:30pm-6:00pm: “Fun Time Back in the Day” activities.
About: Not Before My Parents goal is to improve the lives of those affected by violence. (NBMP) vision is to instill personal excellence, assist in building self-esteem, advocating for the celebration of cultural diversity and uniting communities. The youth are empowered through NMBP Chess Club and Performing Arts Program.
NBMP was established in 2012 by Raydell Lacey, 18 years after the murder of her 21 year old daughter, Elonda D. Lacey aka Ms. Buckey, In January 2016 Raydell’s grandson, Erick L. Lacey Jr., aka E.J. was murdered.
NBMP offers support to parents and youth who have suffered a loss. NBMP also offers coping skills. If needed, families, parents, and/or youth are referred for additional resources. For donations visit: www.notbeforemyparents.com for more information, call (773) 231-8163 or email [email protected]
