A Community Celebration Event Recap

On September 20th, the FEEST Fam gathered at the TAF Bethaday Community Learning Space for something special: First We FEEST: A Community Celebration. From the moment the doors opened, the room buzzed with joy, music, and the smell of delicious food. DJ Kimere set the vibes while folks lined up for a feast from Garlic Crush and sweet treats from Salvadorean Bakery and Dough Joy Donuts. Meanwhile, Ronn’s Photobooth was snapping glamour shots.

This gathering was a space to honor the voices and power of our Student Organizers.

Our emcees, Cat and Huda, kicked things off with warmth and energy, reminding us that FEEST is about joy and care as much as it is about justice. Our Executive Director, Jaimée, shared a powerful grounding about life-affirming spaces and the power that we have when we come together. Then came the speeches that aligned our celebration with purpose:

🌱 Sundus, a longtime FEEST Student Organizer, reminded us that: “FEEST has always been about collaboration… whether it’s a school, a community garden, or another youth-led group, our struggles and our victories are tied together. We are part of a larger movement for justice and healing.”

🔥 Liz, another longtime Student Organizer, followed with a powerful vision of food justice and systemic change. She closed with words that had the whole room leaning in: “Keep pushing, keep creating change, keep pushing forward. The future is in our hands, so long as we take it.”

Swipe through some memories from the day!

Between these powerful words, there was plenty of laughter, games, and dancing. Student-led games brought people of all ages together to play, connect, and compete for FEESTie prizes. Community members broke bread together over plates piled high, and the cake cutting turned into a sweet moment of sharing love for everyone in the room.

And of course, the photo booth was a hit, capturing the joy, silliness, and friendship that make FEEST events unforgettable. Shout out to the amazing Ronn from Ronn’s Photobooth, who brought his own magic to document the day with us!

Swipe through some memories from the day!

First We FEEST was a celebration of what we’ve accomplished and a glimpse into what’s possible when young people lead with courage and creativity, and when community shows up to support them. From food justice to mental health resources, our Student Organizers are shaping the schools and communities we all deserve.

We’re so grateful to everyone who came out, to our sponsors who made the event possible, and most of all to our Student Organizers who keep pushing us forward with vision and love.

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