It’s Greater Than Us (IBTU) introduced their 6th Annual Again 2 Faculty Competition to the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall with over 2,500 households, elected officers, and group companions for what they name a day of resilience, celebration, and collective care.
“We launched our first Annual Again 2 Faculty Competition in 2020 to assist meet the rising want for varsity provides and assist—and simply as importantly, to create joyful, affirming areas the place youth and households really feel seen and celebrated,” mentioned Tyrone Nance, founder & CEO of IBTU.
This yr’s theme was, “A Metropolis United,” which honored the power of the group within the wake of the L.A. wildfires immigration raids, and every day challenges.
“It’s Greater Than Us was based in 2020 with a easy however highly effective mission: to satisfy folks the place they’re and construct group by way of constant service, cultural celebration, and direct assets,” mentioned Nance.
He continued, “What began as a grassroots response in the course of the early days of the pandemic has grown right into a citywide nonprofit that has served 1000’s of youth and households by way of pop-ups, school-based applications, useful resource hubs, and wellness occasions throughout Los Angeles.”
This yr’s pageant was hosted by IBTU and sponsors, which included: L.A. Care Well being Plan, Metro, and Councilwoman Heather Hutt’s Workplace. The occasion welcomed the assist of Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, and Councilmember Yasmin-Imani McMorrin.
“Occasions like this matter now greater than ever,” mentioned Nance. “They supply real-time assist to households going through ongoing challenges and provides younger folks a joyful, affirming begin to the college yr.”
Nance, continued, “They assist us construct belief, deepen relationships, and transfer ahead collectively.”
This yr’s pageant gave 1,500+ backpacks, free haircuts, diapers, faculty provides, well being & dental assets and featured raffles, native distributors, video games, artwork, and wellness actions.
The pageant additionally had dwell youth performances by White Corridor Arts Academy, Divas and Drummers of Compton, Heaven Ava, and Boomer the Clown.
“We’re simply getting began,” mentioned Nance. “Whether or not you’re a dad or mum, scholar, neighbor, or group, there’s area for you on this motion.
“Individuals can get entangled by volunteering, donating, or becoming a member of us at our subsequent occasion—Saturday, August 23, at Venice Seashore—for our Again 2 Faculty: Coastal Clear-Up & Hearth Aid Version.
“This work is greater than one individual or one second—it’s about how we proceed to point out up for one another.”
For extra info on It’s Greater Than Us, go to www.itsbiggerthanusla.org.
