Chester Justice Celebration Celebrates Health, Justice and the City’s Green Future

On Saturday July 28, Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living (CRCQL) hosted a Justice Celebration at ACCESS Community Center in Chester that had more than 120 participants from Chester and around the county. 

The event was a collaborative effort by CRCQL, Swarthmore College, C-4 (Campus Coalition Concerning Chester), ACCESS Center and others. Community partners came together to provide a fun space for families to learn about the history of Chester, social justice activism, and how to make positive changes in the community. The activities featured helped teach children and adults alike about environmental justice, clean energy, gardening, meditation and mindfulness, and more.

CRCQL Chairperson Zulene Mayfield noted, “Often the fight against injustices is exhausting and burdensome. It’s important to hold space for joy, community, and healing as we work together to fight for our rights, and it’s especially important to lift up and center the next generation – our kids.

This fun-filled event had so many activity stations for children to take part in at no cost. Kids could create solar-powered cars and solar lanterns while learning about clean energy from the sun. They could join mentors in the mediation room and learn about the importance of breathing and grounding oneself in the face of adversity. They could build their own dream pillows that focused on aspirations. By planting seeds and potting plants, children learned about gardening the care it takes to create new life and grow your own food.

Once kids participated in each activity and got a stamp from every booth, they were able to pick out a free prize to take home. Prizes included educational games and opportunities to deepen learning at home while still having fun.

Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon joined the event, and noted her thanks: “This is such a great event and so uplifting. “A lot of people talk, but you’re out here every day helping,” she said of CRCQL’s efforts.

Food was provided thanks to Chef Lamont, and many vendors were also in attendance with free education and opportunities to help community members with a variety of things, including voting, addiction treatment, covid vaccines and testing, and more. CMP Radio livestreamed the event and interviewed many of the community partners and vendors to uplift their mission.

CRCQL will continue to host this celebration on an annual basis. If you’d like to sponsor or get involved in next year’s event, please contact [email protected].

SUPPORTERS INCLUDED:

ACCESS Community Center

Campus Coalition Concerning Chester (C-4)

Chester Community Partners

CMP Radio 

Crossroads

Health Educated

Kayla’s Meditation Room

League of Women Voters

Linnea Bond

Patricia and David Kronheim

Save CWA

Swarthmore College Lang Center

Tent of Life

Urban Roots Farm 

What Would Josh Do – WWJD

YES Center & Ms. Twyla Simpkin