Nicetown CDC receives $1 million from city for sport court to kickoff 22nd Annual Give Back Community Festival and Concert

State Sen. Sharif Street and Councilmember Cindy Bass (pictured second and third from left), other officials and community stakeholders.participate in groundbreaking ceremony in Nicetown Park.kicking off last weekend’s festival activities.(Photo/ Sen. Street’s X page)

Last Friday, Councilmember Cindy Bass (D-8th Dist.) presented a $1 million check to the Nicetown Community Development Corporation (CDC) for the Nicetown Sport Court Project, a community project that has been in planning for over 10 years. The funds will support the development of the newly named, Nicetown Sport Court with basketball, bocce and futsal courts, lighting, skate paths, and much more.

In addition, a groundbreaking restoration of Nicetown Park began with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson, Philadelphia Capital Improvement officials, State Sen. Sharif Street (D-3rd Dist.), State Rep. Darisha Parker’s office (D-198th Dist.), and other community stakeholders. The capital improvements will include an amphitheater, restrooms, park furniture, walking paths, safety lighting, and other features.

The Nicetown CDC Giveback event parade marches down Germantown Avenue led by the Fruit of Islam. (Photo/Solomon Williams)

These two events kicked off Nicetown’s 22nd Annual Give Back Community Festival and Concert.

The festival culminates a series of arts, cultural, and resource activities that brings community members, entrepreneurs, entertainment, and resources to Nicetown.

“We are excited once again to host our 22nd Annual Give Back Festival and continue to put the nice back in Nicetown,” said Majeedah Rashid, Nicetown’s chief operating officer. “This year’s festival is bigger than ever with more entertainment, a fashion show, community resources with fun activities for the entire family.”

Delta Sigma Theta sorors are having a great time.
.(Photo/ Solomon Williams)

The two-day free outdoor festival began August 9 with the awarding of the ZAR Memorial Education Scholarships and the Underground Railroad hosted by D.J. Philly Briaheem DaDream Entertainment LLC. The weekend activities continued with the official “Walk For Peace” addressing the tide of gun violence on August 10 led by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, and community activists, followed by an on-stage panel discussion with violence prevention groups who work together in Northwest Philadelphia and beyond.

A showcase of talent followed, leading up to a star-studded “Battle of the Bands,” including a special tribute in honor of Cedric Napoleon, legendary jazz bassist and co-founding member of the Philadelphia-based rhythm-and-blues and jazz fusion band Pieces of a Dream, along with the We Are One Experience (WAOX), a tribute to Frankie Beverly and Maze.

(Photo/Solomon Williams)

Nicetown CDC President Zakariyya Abdur-Rahman addressed the importance of the Give Back Festival taking place as planned, despite ongoing shootings and murders, along with the CDC’s continued commitment to curb the violence after his two sons were murdered in 2009 and 2017, respectively. Zakariyya and his wife, Taherrah, lost their sons, Zakee and Zafir, to gun violence.

The Abdur-Rahmans shared their gut-wrenching story, yet still have the courage to continue a crusade to stem the tide of violence in the Nicetown section of the city of Philadelphia and put a free outdoor community festival in their sons’ honor.

“This is our 22nd year, and despite the recent uptick in street violence, we continue to make a commitment that the Give Back must go on,” Abdur-Rahman said. “Furthermore, it reminds the community it is safe to attend the Nicetown Festival and concert.”

Participants taking part in the festival’s official “Walk For Peace” which addressed the tide of gun violence. (Photo/Solomon Williams)

The 22nd Annual Give Back Community Festival and Concert was sponsored in part by Comcast Corporation/NBC 10/Telemundo 62, SUPRA Office Solutions /EMSCO, The Philadelphia Sunday SUN, Councilmember Cindy Bass, State Sen. Sharif Street, State Rep. Darisha Parker, Brown’s ShopRite, Fresh Grocer, Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity, City, Keystone Outdoor & Advertising, City of Philadelphia, Temple Health, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Sports Pros, Rap Snacks and many more.

The Nicetown Community Development Corporation (NTCDC) seeks to dynamically improve the quality of life in Nicetown and surrounding communities by establishing sustainable community economic development. The NTCDC was founded in 1999 by members who collectively bring decades of experience in developing the community.

To learn more about Nicetown CDC, call (215) 329-1824 or visit the official website at: www.nicetowncdc.org.