On Saturday, September 30th, Clay Arsenal Renaissance Apartments (CARA) tenant leaders, with support of the Christian Activities Council, held a community cookout in Lozada Park at the corner of Center and Seyms street in Hartford’s North End. The event – whose purpose was to have fun, build community solidarity and strengthen tenant organizing – brought out over four dozen community members in addition to Congressman John Larson and Hartford Council President Thomas “TJ” Clarke.
Children enjoyed face painting, a bouncy house, and games organized by the Trinity Men of Color. The Hartford Public Library, Charter Oak Family Health Center, and other community organizations supplied information on a wealth of critical social services. Holding it all together were volunteers from Our Piece of the Pie (OPP), Youth Services.
Not only were stomachs filled thanks to the expert grilling of Chef R.C. Biggs, but also spirits were filled with renewed determination in the fight to make the Clay Arsenal neighborhood a good place to raise families.
Special thanks to:
- Aqui Me Quedo
- Big Y
- Billings Forge Community Works
- Bowtie Cinemas
- Charter Oak Family Health Center
- Chef Ryan Biggs
- Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities
- Connecticut’s Women’s Education and Legal Fund
- DJ Dan Durant
- Greater Hartford Alliance of Black Social Workers
- Hartford Fire Department
- Hartford Library on Wheels
- Healthy Start
- Ice Cream for a Dream
- Lisa Perrone, Office of John Larson
- Malcolm Little, Photographer
- Natalie Langlaise, Face Painting
- Nurturing Families Network
- Officer C. Palmieri
- Our Piece of the Pie, Youth Services
- Trinity Men of Color
- Truth Enterprise LLC
- Urban League
- Walmart
