Joyful Photos From the 11th Annual ‘Back-2-School’ Block Party in Harlem
The annual community celebration provided local youth with the supplies and resources needed for a successful school year.
School is officially back in session, Uptown! Ahead of the new academic year, Columbia University teamed up with community partners to help local youth make a confident classroom comeback. On Aug. 26, the NYPD 26th Precinct’s Community Affairs division, Manhattan Community Board 9 and the West Harlem Development Corporation—with support from Columbia Community Service, Columbia University Facilities and Operations’ Construction Business Initiatives unit, Columbia’s Office of Public Safety, and other local organizations—hosted the 11th annual “Back-2-School” celebration in Manhattanville.
The bustling block party featured a free distribution of backpacks and other essential school supplies, a hair braiding station, communal arts and crafts sessions, face painting, and other fun-filled summer activities—including a bouncy house, sidewalk rock climbing, and chilled sweet treats. During the event, neighbors danced the afternoon away to lively tunes spun by a local DJ. They also connected with Upper Manhattan nonprofits leading impactful programs and initiatives.
Check out this collection of cheerful photos from the festive afternoon!
