State Sen. Anthony H. Williams will draw his second annual Neighborhood to Neighborhood Summer of Peace initiative to a close on Saturday, Aug. 25, with a free pool party.
The Nile Swim Club, located at 513 S. Union Ave. in Yeadon, will host the event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will include outdoor games where kids can romp, compete and play in a safe environment, giveaways for kids, and well as free food and beverages.
“This represents a perfect way to close out the summer, with family, fun and food in a pleasant, peaceful environment,” Williams said. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done in helping to bring these events together and promote community stability and harmony with the Summer of Peace initiative.”
Community sponsors for these activities include SYSCO, Sunoco, Keystone Mercy, Brown’s ShopRite, WAWA and the West Philadelphia Coalition of Neighborhoods and Businesses.
Throughout the summer, Williams has hosted a series of family-friendly events, featuring free food, games and other activities across the 8th Senatorial District, which includes parts of South, West and Southwest Philadelphia as well as eastern Delaware County.
Simultaneously, Williams has cast a spotlight on grassroots efforts aiding the development of young people and promoting peace in the district, raising awareness and encouraging individuals, businesses and foundations to support them.
The Nile has a storied history as one of the oldest African American-owned and operated facilities of its sort, having hosted international celebrities and generations of families. While its founding in 1958 came amid a troubled and segregated time, its present and future speaks to the gains made in race and community relations in Delaware County and beyond.
With homicide rates and stray bullets continuing to plague parts of the 8th District this summer, safeguarding children must remain a paramount effort, Williams noted.
The Summer of Peace initiative replaced his annual N2N Street Festival, channeling resources to support ongoing community-based efforts rather than a one-day affair. Now in its second year, the Summer of Peace offers a variety of local events that neighbors across the district can enjoy while supporting local organizations that promote safety and peace.
“What I’ve witnessed all summer reaffirmed my faith in the power of community and ordinary citizens,” Williams said. “Yes, government can help. But so can the neighborhood barbershop, corner store, gas station or even downtown foundation. At the end of the day, it is our collective involvement that will determine the quality of life for our community. That’s something we cannot afford to ignore or forget.
“The greater the options and diversions we can offer children today, the fewer instances of crime and violence we’ll see tomorrow,” Williams added. “I’m proud to see neighbors not only realizing that we can’t wait, but also insisting that we don’t.”
