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Explore the rich history of African-American and workforce development in the Lynchburg area by completing our online questionnaire. Use online and local resources to answer the questions and deepen your understanding. Participate now and stand a chance to win fantastic raffle prizes, including $100 gift cards and more.

Must be present to win.
Registration required. Click the link below to enter the raffle.

BLOCK PARTY CELEBRATION

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LYNCHBURG UNITY WALK & CELEBRATION

Get ready to celebrate! The Lynchburg Area Youth Sports Initiative (LAYSi) is thrilled to invite the community to the  Annual Unity Walk & Celebration on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in Downtown Lynchburg.

This year's celebration will focus on "African Americans and Labor," honoring the legacy of Black workers who have shaped our nation. Join us for a day of fun, education, and community as we walk together and celebrate our shared history.

The block-party style celebration and walk will begin and end at the roundabout at 5th and Federal Streets, featuring a special stop at Old City Cemetery for a historical reenactment and storytelling session where participants will learn more about Lottie Payne Stratton, also known as Miss Boonie, as portrayed by Lynchburg local and talented actress, Temika Younger.

"Miss Boonie reminds me of my grandmother. My grandma loved children and fostered over 100 children in her home. Like Miss Boonie, children were always welcome at my granny's house. I appreciate the opportunity to bring light to her story again as her precious spirit lives on." Younger shared in a recent interview, "I always enjoy helping to continue the legacy of the many great African Americans who were prominent in this area." 

WHAT TO EXPECT

• A lively block party: Enjoy live music by DJ MADLAD,  refreshments provided by The Yard on 5th Restaurant, and engaging educational activities for all ages.

• Family fun for everyone: Games, activities, exciting giveaways, and raffles with over $2000 in prizes!

• Local performers: Watch local dance groups showcase their skills.

• Inspiring guest speakers: Gain insights into local history and culture.

• A chance to connect: Meet and greet with local leaders, neighbors, and fellow community members.

Event festivities will begin and end at the roundabout at 5th and Federal Streets. The walk will kick off at 11 a.m. Activities will continue until 1pm. 

Event Highlights:

• Free Hot Cocoa & Refreshments: Provided by The Yard on 5th Restaurant

• Engaging Educational Activities: Learn about local history

• Family Fun: Enjoy games and activities for all ages

• A Block Party: Featuring lively music by DJ MADLAD

• Talented Performances: Watch local dance groups showcase their skills

• Guest Speakers: Gain insights into local history and culture

• Meet & Greet: Connect with local leaders

• Exciting Giveaways & Raffles: Over $2000 in prizes!*

  • *participants must be present to win

Featured Entertainment and Special Guests:

• Vocal Performance by Harrison Reed

• Historical Reenactment by Temika Younger

• Dance Performance with Kuumba Dance directed by Sheron White Carter

We're Looking for Vendors!

Interested vendors can CLICK HERE to complete the vendor application and join the celebration.

Join us for our 3rd Annual FREE Summer Play Day at the University of Lynchburg.

Sports, games, snow cones, giveaways, and more! Open to kids 5 - 14yrs old.

Sports Stations include Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, Lacrosse, and Beach Volleyball.

Register Here

Volunteer Registration

Vendor Registration

Join Girls on the Run for their non-competitive 5K event celebrating the end of their Spring Season! Race begins at 9:30 AM, but come early to jump in on all the pre-race activity fun!

The course is flat and fast as you run on the taxiway parallel to the main runway. Come out, join the fun, support United Way of Central Virginia, and see Lynchburg Regional Airport in a whole new way! There is a 500-person limit to this event and 60 minute time limit.

Join IRON Lives for their 5K Run! More information to be announced, check out their website to learn more.

For volunteer, sponsor, or booth information please email nat.marshall@hotmail.com .

GET INVOLVED BY FILLING OUT THE FORM BELOW!

EVENT PARKING MAP

Winter Day of Play is coming! Join us at the Downtown YMCA on February 4th for FREE fun, food, and activities.

• Basketball

• Swimming

• Hip Hop Dance

• Bootcamp Fitness

• Take-home dinner will be provided

• FREE t-shirt and goggles

Registration begins at noon. A parent or guardian must be present at drop-off to sign children in.

Register online here.

Meet the LAYSi Team, make some friends, and grab dinner on us!

There will be basketball for the kids, and child watch will be available for children up to five years old.

6pm | Downtown YMCA

FREE Basketball, Soccer, Softball, and Football Skills & Drills

WHERE: Jefferson Park Community Center

Lunch is included at no charge!

FREE Basketball Skills & Drills

WHERE: Jubilee Center

Lunch is included at no charge!

Local families will again have access to free shoes and school supplies during the annual Building Our Community Together Back-to-School event. Sponsored by One Community One Voice and hosted by the University of Lynchburg, this year’s event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, on Shellenberger Field. Teachers from Lynchburg City Schools and surrounding areas will be there to welcome students back to school.

Event attractions include

• live entertainment

• door prizes and school supplies

• the Y on wheels bus will be present with snow cones and activities

• fun and friends!

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, children aged 8 to 16 can also attend a basketball clinic with Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins in Turner Gymnasium. Please see information above for this event.

********To reserve shoes fill out this form, or call 1.888.837.3913********

Area organizations that serve youth and families are invited to reserve an exhibit space to provide information and opportunities that will help students and their families have a successful school year.

Free shoes, school supplies, T-shirts, and exhibitor premiums will be provided while supplies last. For more information, contact Clay Coleman at claygcoleman@icloud.com.

We need volunteers! Please fill out the following form and a committee member will reach out to you.