On June 20th, 2025, the Southwest Organizing Project’s (SWOP) Youth Organizing team and Community Violence Intervention team, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), came together to host a lively Juneteenth Youth Kickback at Gage Park. The event was designed to offer young people from the community a safe, fun, and welcoming space to celebrate freedom, connect with their peers as well as our Organizers, and simply enjoy being together.

Throughout the afternoon, the park was filled with the energy of a spirited basketball tournament, upbeat music, and the sounds of laughter from youth cooling off with water activities. Free food and refreshments kept everyone fueled, while the event offered plenty of opportunities for young people to build relationships and engage in positive community-centered activities.

The Juneteenth Kickback was about more than just having a good time — it was a reflection of what’s possible when youth organizers and violence prevention workers come together to create spaces rooted in safety, joy, and unity. Events like this continue to show the strength of community partnerships in giving young people safe places to gather, grow, and lead.