■ Shantel Franklin runs in the 8th PAGE 3
FREE Vol. 39 No. 33
August 20, 2025 ■ Also serving Garfield Park ■ austinweeklynews.com
@AustinWeeklyNews
@austinweeklynews
@AustinWeeklyChi
Shi Shine Ki King forever, f page 6
Reviving neighborhood connections: Healing and opportunity: Out West Block Party returns
the Austin HOPE Center story
The free event offered back-to-school supplies, health screenings and activities designed to strengthen local ties and uplift children
Stone CDC and Lurie Children’s Hospital collaborate with community engagement specialist Oliver to meet local needs; opening next year
By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter
Started six years ago as a birthday celebration, the Out West Block Party returned Saturday to the 4000 block of West Gladys Avenue., bringing a day of music, games and community to West Side families. The Out West Block Party was free and open to the public, offering attendees food, school supplies, raffle prizes, music and dance, basketball, Double Dutch and free on-site HIV and STD testing. Blewprint Salon, Longevity Studios by Nikko Rogers and DJ Jovito J Baby teamed up with Dee Jefferies, the executive director of For the Kids Media and Arts, to continue the annual event Jefferies started the Out West Block Party as a way to honor his own childhood memories of neighborhood block parties. Returning to the community See BLOCK PARTY on page 11
By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter
HECTOR CERVANTES
SIDE-BY-SIDE:Two youngsters take their shots at the Out West Block Party.
The Austin HOPE Center, a partnership between Stone Community Development (Stone CDC) and Lurie Children’s Hospital, is shaping up to be a lively hub for youth and families in the Austin neighborhood. Expected to be completed in 2026, it will bring together pediatric care, behavioral health services and community programs all in one place, along with spaces for youth development, local organizations and outdoor programming. Austin resident Aisha Oliver was hired as the community engagement specialist for the center to strengthen relationships between See HOPE CENTER on page 12
BREAKING
SIGN UP FOR
AL NEWS! AND JUST PLAIN OL’ LOC