A Beautiful Night In Kennedy Heights

On Monday, May 19th, The Kennedy Heights and Wildcat community was out in full force this week for a vibrant, joy-filled evening at the second annual Kennedy Heights Block Party hosted at Woodford Academy and Ashley Davis. From music and games to community art, the event offered something for everyone. Community efforts like these bring neighbors together in a powerful celebration of connection and local pride. This yearly tradition has quickly become a highlight for our neighborhood, bringing together families, friends, and supporters from across Cincinnati.

 

A Night of Joy, Art, and Connection

From the moment the guests arrived, it was clear this was more than just a block party. Children and families gathered around tables with art activities, engaging in hands-on creativity. Others took to the sidewalk to fill the pavement with colorful chalk drawings and inspiring messages. Nearby, there were giant inflatable games and a dartboard, keeping the energy high.

The atmosphere was buzzing with laughter, music, and the unmistakable spirit of community. Food, fun, and meaningful connections flowed throughout the evening, reminding everyone why events like this matter to communities.

Here are some of the great activities provided at the Kennedy Heights Block Party:

  • Free Hot Dogs and Food Trucks – Everyone enjoyed a delicious bite, with hot dogs on the house and local food trucks serving up crowd favorites.
  • Arts and Crafts Zone – Kids and families got creative with painting, drawing, and fun DIY projects that encouraged imagination and togetherness.
  • Toy and Hygiene Giveaways – With the help of generous sponsors and donors, we were able to provide free toys for children and hygiene kits for families in need.
  • Local Vendors – A showcase of amazing small businesses from the neighborhood. Shopping locally helps our community thrive.
  • Dance Performance — Woodford’s Dance Team sponsored by ABC
  • Circus Performance — Red Nose Circus and Circus Club Students 

A Surprise Visit from Mayor Aftab Pureval

The night received a special boost when Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval stopped by to join the celebration. The mayor spent time talking with students and residents, taking photos, and sharing the excitement of the evening. He later posted about the event on social media, writing:

 

“A beautiful night at the Kennedy Heights block party at Woodford! Thanks to everyone who came out to join the fun.”

 

Mayor Pureval’s presence highlighted the significance of community-led initiatives like this one, and his support was warmly received by families and organizers alike.

Highlighting Local Leadership

ABC Resource Coordinator Ashley Davis, who helped host the event alongside the Woodford team, was featured in the mayor’s post and praised by attendees for her leadership and commitment to the community. Her presence, along with many other dedicated local advocates, served as a reminder of the impact strong, compassionate leadership has on youth and families. Neighborhoods need a space where they can come together, celebrate, and feel seen, and RC Ashley put in the work to make this possible.

The success of the Kennedy Heights Block Party would not have been possible without the many volunteers, parents, local leaders, and community partners who contributed their time, talent, and resources. A special thank you to Cincinnati Public Schools, whose continued support plays a vital role in making events like these happen.

Building Stronger Communities, Together

At ABC, we believe that building strong communities starts with bringing people together. Whether it’s on the field or at a block party, our mission is to create spaces where Cincinnati Public School youth and families can thrive and feel a deep sense of belonging. We’re proud to stand beside leaders like RC Ashley and neighborhoods like Kennedy Heights, who show us what community truly means.

A special thank you to:

  • Kennedy Heights Church of Christ – for their ongoing dedication to serving this community
  • Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – for their presence, leadership, and service throughout the day
  • Community Volunteers – Your time, energy, and love helped keep the event running smoothly and made every guest feel welcomed.
  • Woodford Academy Staff Volunteers – Thank you for showing up and supporting this neighborhood beyond the classroom. Your dedication to students and families is deeply appreciated.

Stay tuned for more events, stories, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we are stronger.