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What to expect
Rock the Block will be hosted at Madison Square on June 9, 2018 and will host many artists, musicians, and food vendors from the Grand Rapids area.
LINC UP, a community development organization with neighborhood revitalization and development in the foreground, will be hosting their eighth annual Rock the Block festival this Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. at Madison Square. This event will host a myriad of local musicians, artists and food vendors, along with health and wellness booths.
Last year there were more than 10,000 individuals in attendance with more than 100 vendors present.
“For those who are unfamiliar with our organization, it’s a wonderful opportunity for anyone of all ages to connect with the community,” said LaKiya Thompson-Jenkins, the operations director for LINC UP.
One of Rock the Block’s aims is to expose its attendees to the grandiose amount of local support to make the event possible. “When you’re there you really get to take it all in; all these people who live right down the street or a couple miles near one another, all contributing and doing their part to help our cause. It’s something you need to see to understand,” Thompson-Jenkins said.
LINC UP attributes this effort to big rewards. Two years ago, Rock the Block was able to get Dead Prez to perform.
“It’s all about connections, and we knew people from here who knew people high up in the music scene. Convincing a big-name artist like Dead Prez just shows the level of power our relationships actually hold and that’s just one example,” said Thompson-Jenkins.
However, this event is more than the party that is on the surface. There are plenty of educational booths as well. They range from child to senior care, fitness and exercise, education support for parents and students, job training and staffing, health testing and more.
“The education booths offer so much for Rock the Block. It’s one thing for someone from LINC UP to speak about these topics, but it’s another thing to have professionals volunteering to emphasize their importance. You’re interested in child engagement, development, and education? We have a professional waiting to answer your questions. You want to learn about exercise for all ages? We have someone for that. Or maybe you’re interested in job training, you know we got your back,” Thompson-Jenkins said.
Curiosity partnered with engagement is a powerful entanglement and a necessary first step in tangible improvement. With so many dedicated employees and volunteers working tirelessly, it should be well worth attending. The event will display so much that Grand Rapids has to offer in a jovial and well-attended atmosphere. More information about LINC UP can be found on their website at lincup.org.
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