It had all the makings of a traditional summer block party, complete with games for the kids and a cookout.

But there was more to the annual Charlie Brandon Day Celebration, held Thursday afternoon in the Brandon Court public housing complex.

Organizers intended for this year’s Charlie Brandon Day to honor its namesake by providing an opportunity for the participants to educate themselves.

“We wanted to give back to the community. We wanted them to know who Charlie Brandon was,” said Ucindy Means, an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) member who helped organize the event.

Charlie died in the 1960s at the age of 16 from spinal meningitis. But during his short life, he was very active in the community, especially when it came to sports, event organizers said. Both the neighborhood and the day, first celebrated four years ago, were named in his honor.

“We were just wondering what we could do to bring positive attention to Brandon Court,” said Patrice Jones, a community development specialist. “What better way than to celebrate the man the court is named after?”

The celebration was sponsored by the Springfield Housing Authority, Illinois Coalition for Community Services and the Cooperation for National & Community Services.

In the past, Jones said, the day’s primary focus was on entertaining the children. But this year, it changed to educating the residents. Social service groups set up displays and handed out pamphlets to increase awareness about what’s available locally.

“I’m hoping people will be more aware of their health issues, especially children’s,” Means said.

Planned Parenthood, Lincoln Land Community College, the Crisis Assistance and Advocacy Office, Family Service Center, Sojourn Shelter & Services, the Red Cross and the Sangamon County Health Department were among organizations represented. AIDS tests also were available.

“It’s important to go into the community because it’s not always easy to access this kind of stuff,” said Leanna Barber, a Family Service Center program supervisor who came to the celebration to distribute pamphlets.

Because Brandon Court residents are primarily women and children, most of the organizations represented cater to them. Jones said

“If (the women) can take care of themselves, they can take better care of their children,” she said. “We still want the kids to be involved, but this year’s focus is more on women’s needs.”

Erica Lamury and her three children were in attendance Thursday. Lamury said she’d like to see more gatherings similar to the Charlie Brandon Day Celebration.

“It’s a good thing for the kids to do. It gives them something to do … instead of getting in trouble. They need stuff like this all the time,” she said.

 

Kellie Bramlet can be reached at 788-1531 or kellie.bramlet@sj-r.com.