There is a movement afoot to resurrect block parties, and I’m here for it.
As much of an introvert as I am, a homebody who enjoys communal fellowships, but only in doses, I still always loved those annual block parties we had back in the day in Mo. City; Briargate to be more specific.
Every year, for a few years anyway, our little piece of Krause Dr. would section ourselves off and every resident would come outside to take part in the festivities which included food, of course, music, dominos and spades tables, kids running around getting into everything.
The party would go on for hours, and even after it wound down, the clean-up was yet another opportunity for neighbors, friends to chat, catch up and share.
The days of neighbors actually knowing each other and looking out for one another seem long gone. We’ve moved so far away from a reality where block parties were a natural occurrence.
Or have we?
Quiet as it’s kept, or maybe not so quietly, block parties are making a comeback.
On high school and college campuses, and in communities with large numbers of young, progressive, conscious Blackfolk, the move now is to resurrect community by resurrecting block parties. There are even entire organizations dedicated to facilitating and promoting and inspiring that block party life.
And we may have Dave Chappelle to thank for that.
His 2005 documentary, “Dave Chappelle’s Block Party,” was a smash hit not only because of the insane musical line-up, not only because of the backstage access the film gave viewers, not only because of the comedic genius Chappelle put on display throughout, not only because it was so cool to see so many of our favorite musical stars interacting both on stage and off like a crew of friends who just really enjoy being in each other’s company… but because every aspect of Chappelle’s Block Party emphasized, cosigned and celebrated community, and the connections that come with it.
And his block party helped make it happen.
Since then, young people who may not have communities of people who even know each other and lack the community ethos – i.e. “neighborhoods” with no real neighbors – are searching out ways to experience community (something we all need). They’re making it happen oftentimes via block parties… even without the block. Their holding them in parks, on high school and college campuses, in Black-owned business districts and establishments; any place where they can get together and experience connection and community.
Maybe all these great and historic Houston-area Black communities should take a cue from these young folk and revive that time-honored Black tradition of hosting a block party.
So, whether you’re from the “norfside,” South Park, Pleasantville, Freedman’s Town, the Tre, Mo. City, Alief, or wherever, when you and your crew decide to put on that block party, please holla, and me and the Defender crew will be there to hang out, fellowship and resurrect community with you.
