Karl Jackson Back to School Festival

ABOUT

The Karl Jackson Back to School Festival began in Fall 2005. Marcus Holder a long standing community resident was the original organizer of this event, with the vision to assist young people with the school supplies needed at the beginning of the school year. In 2007 the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization (KOCO), Youth Council began working with Mr. Holder on the event as a means to reach more kids in the community. That same year the name was changed from Back to School Jam to the Karl Jackson Back to School Festival In memory of their close neighborhood friend who died of cancer at age 16. The Festival has been ongoing for 16 years serving hundreds of kids by providing them with backpacks and school supplies. The Karl Jackson Back to School event is being hosted this year by the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization (KOCO) Youth Council, The CitylIght's Life Development Center, and Community Life at Oakwood Shores. Annually the event celebrates education and will provide school supplies for youth in our community. This 17th Annual Karl Jackson Back to School Festival will take place on Saturday, August 19th at the Price/King outdoor field (4445 S. Drexel from) 11:00am until 3pm. The event will consist of food, music, fun, games, activities, and the distributions of school supplies.

Partner Organizations:

Kenwood Oakland Community Organization (KOCO) has been an instrument for grassroots democracy in the North Kenwood and Oakland communities for nearly forty years. Founded by religious and community leaders in the 1960’s, KOCO facilitated organizing campaigns that increased the resources and services available to families and residents. Today, KOCO continues its work as a vehicle and voice of low-income and working families. Their mission;Through the sustained engagement of low-income and working families, KOCO develops multi-generational leaders who impact decision-making processes and public policies, improving the quality of life in our local communities.

                                                       The Life Development Center

The Life Development Center began their partnership with KOCO in 2011 and has provided a very helpful key component to the Festival. They provide doctors and nurses to do basic blood pressure and medical examinations for free and partner in organizing the event. Before their partnership, The Life Development Center host a yearly event called the LightFest as an organization, nonetheless with a core value to partner with organizations in the community, the core values of their event The Lightfest has been fused into the planning and organizing of the Karl Jackson Festival. The Life Development Center is a faith- based organization that provides holistic programming in the areas of Youth Development, Life Skill Development, Leadership Development, Economic/Business Development, and Advocacy.