Santa Cruz Cookout Rescheduled: A Celebration of Diversity at DeLaveaga Park
With a spirit of resilience and a commitment to community health and safety, Ayo Banjo and the Santa Cruz County Black Health Matters Initiative are pleased to announce the rescheduling of the much-anticipated Santa Cruz Cookout. This vibrant community event is now set to take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 2 PM to 5 PM at DeLaveaga Park (Lower), a place of historical significance and natural beauty that enhances our gathering with a backdrop steeped in local heritage.
Following the postponement due to health concerns at the previous venue, we have taken significant steps to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees. DeLaveaga Park provides not only a scenic location but also a site that reflects our city's rich history and our community’s enduring strength.
Event Highlights:
A Culinary Canvas of Community, Culture, and Connection: Experience the flavors of our diverse community with BBQ that cater to all tastes and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures in Santa Cruz.
Lineup of Local Afrobeat and Black Artists: Enjoy a day filled with the soulful sounds of local Afrobeat musicians and performances by Black artists that promise to energize and inspire.
A Family-Friendly Gathering: Designed with families in mind, the cookout will feature activities that children and adults alike can enjoy, fostering a spirit of joy and inclusiveness.
An Emblem of Unity and Healing: In these times of division, the Santa Cruz Cookout aims to be a beacon of unity and a celebration of the collective spirit that defines our community.
We invite the entire Santa Cruz community and beyond to join us on this Mother’s Day weekend in making this cookout not just an event, but a statement of our shared commitment to nurturing a culture of inclusivity and respect. Let us come together to enjoy good food, great music, and the company of our fellow residents in a celebration that honors our past and looks forward to a future of collective well-being. Please share widely with your networks.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and partners who have stood by us during the rescheduling process, including University of California Santa Cruz Student Affairs, City Economic Development and Housing Department, NAACP Santa Cruz County, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, Black Surf Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Rotary Club, and the Resource Center for Nonviolence.
Join Us:
Be part of this historic moment in our community. For more information, to volunteer, or to participate, please contact Ayo Banjo at ayosbanjo@gmail.com. Stay updated on future events by following @ayosbanjo @blackhealthmatterssc on all social media platforms.
Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of our diversity and the strength of our unity at the Santa Cruz Cookout. This event is more than a gathering; it’s a testament to what we can achieve when we come together in the spirit of love and mutual respect.
Warmest regards,
Ayo Banjo, Head Organizer, Santa Cruz Cookout
Cat Moses, Executive Director, SCC Black Health Matters Initiative