In the vibrant melting pot of cultures that we celebrate this Hispanic Heritage Month, this summer, the Concacaf family proudly joined hands with Generation Amazing and Oakland's Department of Violence Prevention's remarkable 'Town Nights' initiative. The goal? To weave a tapestry of unity, celebration, and mutual respect, reinforcing the power of sports and community.
On Friday, June 30th, representatives of Concacaf and Generation Amazing set out on a journey to bridge bonds and foster friendship and respect. Meeting at San Antonio Park with members of the Oakland community, they kickstarted the event alongside dedicated staff of the Department of Violence Prevention.
There was a special introduction to Andrew Park, the Executive Director and driving force behind the program “Trybe” which focuses on strengthening communities in the area, reminded everyone present of the importance of family-oriented community work.
The event continued with everyone present visiting Josie de la Cruz Park where they connected with the dynamic team of CURYJ (pronounced ‘courage’), an organization that harnesses the potential of local young people, guiding them to dream beyond barriers, and leading the charge in community transformation.
The final destination, Elmhurst Park, brought the attendees face to face with the indomitable spirit of the East Oakland Boxing Association (EOBA). Meeting the inspirational Tonya Allen, everyone saw first-hand evidence of the discipline and resilience for boxing, and sport more generally, can help shape young people not just in the ring or the field, but for life.
At every park, there was an air of palpable excitement as Concacaf and Generation Amazing presented equipment to local young people. These weren't just sporting goods; they symbolized the unity of purpose, the camaraderie between organizations, and the promise of opportunities to play and develop skills in the future.
Town Nights, in its very essence, stands as a beacon of community unity. It offers a haven for families, friends, and neighbors. More than that, it serves as a powerful reminder of community resilience, offering employment, outreach, and engaging in pivotal dialogue focused on violence prevention.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, Concacaf, Generation Amazing and other partners are sharing stories to celebrate the diverse communities in a region that includes 41 countries and territories across North America, Central America and the Caribbean. And highlighting how the power and popularity of football and sports can bring communities together and provide opportunities for the next generation.
