Sep 1, 2025
Monarch Awards Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Xi Nu Omega Chapter, proudly hosted the 19th Community Expo featuring the 35th Annual Music and Arts Explosion on Saturday, August 16, at The Montessori School of Englewood. This annual “Back to School” celebration brought together families, community partners, and organizations for a day filled with resources, entertainment, and love for our Englewood community.
The celebration welcomed 583 attendees, reflecting the community’s excitement and need for back-to-school support. Over 500 bookbags were distributed, equipping students with essential school supplies to start the year strong. Thanks to our volunteer stylists and barbers, 12 children received braids (stitch braids, ponytail braids, and loc re-twists), and 43 haircuts were provided—all free of charge. Families also received essential hygiene supplies and donations from our valued partner World Vision.
Additionally,it featured 10 City of Chicago community resource vendors, offering families vital information and connections. Through a partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Xi Lambda Chapter, nine new voters were registered on-site, strengthening civic engagement in our neighborhood.
No celebration is complete without food and fun! Families enjoyed delicious barbecue from The Full Slab and refreshing icy treats from the Kona Ice truck, with kids choosing from a rainbow of flavors. The entertainment lineup included afro movement class, Forward Momentum Chicago, La Escuelita Bombera De Corazon, a Puerto Rican Bomba Dance Company, and Fre2Dance Line dancing. Children were also able to enjoy face painting, a Paint & Punch experience, a bouncy house, and a game truck, keeping children engaged all afternoon.
Adding to the joy, 100 teddy bears from Me and My Mobile Bears were given to children, providing comfort and smiles that will last long after the community expo.
“This is more than just receiving school supplies–it is about showing up for our babies, supporting their success, and letting them know everyone in the community is here for them,” stated Dancy Morgan III (father of a Forward Momentum Chicago performer}. With the support of our partners, vendors, and volunteers, we continue to make sure our children and families head into the school year with confidence, resources, and joy.
We are grateful to our incredible partners and vendors who made this event possible:Montessori School of Englewood, Alderman David Moore, Beautiful Zion M.B. Church, Share Our Spare, 2024 Monarch Man Pierre Lockett & Forward Momentum Chicago, Gift of Hope Community Foundation, Me and My Bears Mobile, The Lions Club, South Side Help Center, Kona Ice, The Full Slab, Afro Zumba, Westside Justice Center, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.- Xi Lambda Chapter, OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center, County Care Health Care, Chicago Public Library, Fre2Dance Line Dancing, Tie Tuesday Foundation, Karen Graham – State Farm, Caris, Idris Daniel, Brandy’s Braiding Bar, Ernestine Lloyd, Myles Heard, Michael Allison, our security team, face painters, and hair braiders—and so many more!
Together, we are making a difference—one backpack, one hairstyle, and one smile at a time.