By Nyame-Kye Kondo Special to the AFRO
Associated Black Charities held its annual event “The Cookout” on Sept. 13, offering a fitting sendoff to a summer filled with community, fellowship and fun.
Hosted in the intimate enclave of The Village of Cross Keys on Falls Road, the location provided a safe and welcoming space to celebrate the season’s close while connecting attendees with valuable community resources at no cost.
Some of those resources included fresh produce, back-to-school items, and even the opportunity to open a bank account. Volunteers like Chelbi Griffin were grateful to be a part of the experience.
“I’m happy to be doing something for the community, and I’m grateful that ABC is bringing us together, especially during these challenging times,” Griffin said. “They have games and refreshments for the children, and you can even sign up for a bank account. This is really wonderful, and we need more events like this consistently.”
Currently in its second year, ABC held the inaugural Cookout in 2024 and hopes to continue hosting the event annually. CEO and President Chrissy M. Thornton said the program was launched to meet a growing need in the community, and she was pleased with its turnout.
“This event is really important to us because we listened to our community say that we needed something family-friendly and low or no-cost,” Thornton said. “We wanted people across income levels and generations to come together and celebrate who we are. We believe that joy is a form of resistance, and we created this event to celebrate Black people, demonstrate solidarity, welcome our allies, and show up unapologetically as ourselves.”
ABC team member Lauren Blackwell shows off her beautiful face paint 
Community member and pre-law student Shaquayah Mckenzie enjoys the festivities. 
ABC CEO Chrissy M. Thornton, left, and Lauren Blackwell pause to smile for the camera. 
Helen Shelton enjoys some quality time with her great-grandson, Sebastian Jack. 
Sebastian Jack enjoys a cotton candy snack. 
Alaia Al-Hakim and Michele Jean enjoy the big bubbles that Lisa Polinori creates. 
Sharon Moore and son, Jamie Bright enjoy frozen treats at the ABC cookout. 
Friends Lauren Blackwell and Brittany King reunite at the ABC cookout. 
Sian Mckenzie shows off her pretty face paint. 
Sisters Chelbi Griffin and Camryn Bell volunteer and enjoy the festivities. 
Dana, Aria and Robert Carr Jr. enjoy the ABC cookout as a family. 
Talea Gillespie, Layla Skye Gillespie and Demetric Gillespie, of The Fun Factory, enjoy the community event and say they can’t wait for next year. 
Alaia Al-Hakim enjoys the event with her mother, Laila Al-Hakim, and her grandmother, Leslie Al-Hakim
Throughout the day, families enjoyed the music of the DJ, giant bubble fun, performances and the chance to cool off with fresh icy treats in the early fall heat. Children gathered around games like giant Connect Four and Hacky Sack, while adults joined in the fun, creating a playful and festive atmosphere.
For some, this was a first-time experience. For others, it had already become a yearly event they look forward to. People like Talia Gillespie came to both partake in the festivities and promote her business. Standing under a bright tent that housed a cotton candy and popcorn maker, Gillespie and her family enjoyed the celebration while sharing their products.
“I’m with The Fun Factory. We are a locally Baltimore-based event rental company, and this is our second year participating in the Cookout,” Gillespie said. “It’s such a lively, enjoyable event, especially for the Black community, and we hope to grow alongside the organization.”
How AMAZING for the Community. May growth continue to come form.THIS EVENT and MANY OTHERS!!!! #OneLove