Cruisin’ Back to School!

On Sunday, August 24th, the WSCA, in partnership with D-UP, Inc., Jackie’s Place, and Loyalty Car Club, hosted Cruisin’ Back to School, which was funded by a micro-grant awarded through the Building a Community One Neighborhood at a Time Community Initiatives program. This event featured a low-rider car show, free giveaways of school supplies, toiletries, and clothing, free haircuts and braided styles for youth, and food. It was a great success!

 Thanks to our phenomenal volunteers, students received haircuts and fresh braids or locs from experienced/licensed barbers and stylists so they could look their best on the first day of school. Approximately 20 students were able to receive these services. To occupy the students’ time while they waited, and to draw interest from the community, the low-rider car show featured around a dozen classic cars, trucks, and bikes, dating back to the 1950s. Students had the opportunity to see how the vehicles’ hydraulics worked, sit in vehicles, and ask questions. The Loyalty Car Club also donated additional school supplies for the students.

This project was developed and presented by Lesley Lara, who works full-time at D-UP, Inc. with older youth, serves as D-UP’s bilingual Community Engagement Specialist, and is a member of the Washington Street Community Association.