Has a rich history worth preserving – Renamed Ivory Perry Park [Visitation Park] in 1989 in honor of Civil Rights Activist Ivory Perry, who organized the tenants’ rights strike in 1969, but most notably discovered the link between lead paint and its’ harmful effects on children in the black community. 

 

In 2001, ten-year old Rodney McAllister left his home in the 5400 block of Cabanne to play basketball in the park, and was mauled by stray dogs.  In 2002, the concert series began to honor his memory and celebrate family and community.

 

Today, the concert is a “not to be missed” summer celebration - a culmination of residents, neighbors, and stakeholders throughout the region from ages 0 to 99 and attracting concert goers from 45 zip codes throughout the Bi-State region.

 

The focus is on events for everyone from back to school giveaways, free snow cones, bounce house, face-painting, chess, to old school music, jazz to African dancing to Yoga and even Zumba. 

 

Vendors promote holistic lifestyles – authors, poets, exercise, gun violence prevention, voter registration, father’s support, wellness check station (high blood pressure screenings, as well as first aid stations. 

 

Originally organized by UCM (Union Avenue Church, Pilgrim Church and Westminster 6 Churches), the Ivory Perry Park Concert Series will be re-branded, managed and organized by the community:  West End - Academy Sherman Park - Visitation Park - Events