All For All Block Party
#AllForAll: It was a perfect fall afternoon on Saturday in Pittsburgh, and what better way to celebrate than with a block party in East Liberty along Penn Avenue honoring immigrants and refugees who call Pittsburgh home? “This has been years in the making,” said Betty Cruz, founder of Change Agency and program director for All for All. The party closed the three-day local immigrant inclusion initiative as local professionals, community leaders and representatives learned how to take action that builds a more welcoming region.
“We wanted to bring together people outside of a crisis. We wanted to create moments of joy, and what better way to do that than with a celebration of artists and musicians?” she added. The multicultural party, presented in partnership with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater and Pete Spynda of Pandemic and Pittonkatonk, featured performances by Pittsburgh-based artists like 1Hood Media and national acts Mourning [A] BLKstar (from Cleveland), Cumbia River Band (New York City), Jacquea Mae and RAM (Haiti). Partygoers enjoyed music by DJ HUNY, DJ QRX and more as well as delicious foods from around the world, and arts and crafts made by local artisans. “Pittsburgh needs this,” said Wasi Mohamed, Pittsburgh director of Community Entrepreneurship for Forward Cities, an economic justice initiative.
“We are at a turning point like a lot of postindustrial cities. It is no longer a question of should we accept immigrants and refugees; we must in order to thrive as a region. And when they do arrive here, we need to welcome them, honor their cultures and create space for them so that we can grow our city stronger together,” said Mr. Mohamed. Added Mr. Spynda: “All for All is making it a priority that we come together outside of moments of trauma and bring people together through cultural experiences. We aren’t drawing lines in the sand; the world doesn’t work that way. Let’s break down stereotypes through food, music and dance so that we can get to know one another better.”
#SEEN: Jasiri X of 1Hood Media, Julius Boatwright and Lauren Stoner, Miracle Jones, Josiah Gilliam, Bridget and Chris Daley, Todd Smith and performer JM the Poet.