Throughout Cynthia Chesnut Park, laughter and conversation echoed through the trees as Gainesville residents gathered for “Tha Cookout” Sunday afternoon. The event marked not only a tribute to Juneteenth but an opportunity to honor Black fatherhood and strengthen community ties.
The park was alive with activities. Volunteers served hot food and cold drinks, kids bounced on inflatables and teens played casual games of basketball and soccer.
“Tha Cookout” was one of the final events in Gainesville’s “Journey to Juneteenth.” Beyond offering food and games, the organizers wanted to build community through visibility and celebration.
Ashlei Askew, a 37-year-old organizer of the event, said the timing of the event was intentional, coinciding with both Juneteenth and Father’s Day.
“Tha Cookout is a celebration of Black fatherhood and Juneteenth,” Ashlei said. “We want to make sure that we bring our Black fathers out and show that Black fathers are more involved in their children's lives than ever before.”
Malcom Askew, Ashlei’s 37-year-old co-organizer and partner, said the support behind the scenes made the day possible.
“We wanted something for the community that was worthwhile,” Malcom said. “They were all willing to put their own money, blood, sweat and tears into making this a quality event.”
The couple runs SupportBLKGNV, a grassroots platform that empowers Gainesville’s Black community by highlighting local businesses, organizing cultural initiatives and fostering collaboration.
“Black people do like to get together,” Malcom said. “It's nothing negative that you have to worry about. It's a good thing when we get together.”
Marcus Protege, a 36-year-old father who drove from Jacksonville to attend the event, said the celebration was something he hasn’t seen in a long time.
“This is what the community’s been missing,” he said. “ We come together, and we have a common goal. It's a lot easier to meet it than doing it by ourselves.”
Anthony Ray, a 36-year-old Gainesville resident, said the event set an important example for the next generation.
“For the kids to be able to see their parents out in the community doing something like this and moving with others, I think that’s just really important,” Ray said.
Quenisha Johnson, a 37-year-old Gainesville resident, said the event held even more meaning this year given recent political tensions and funding cuts impacting Black communities.
“ Events like this mean everything to us and our children,” Johnson said.
Vendor booths lined the walkways, offering everything from handmade crafts to wellness products and sweet treats. The diverse selection was a highlight for many, providing a space for small business owners to share their work and connect with new audiences.
Chelle Alexis, a 33-year-old jewelry maker and owner of She Jeweled, said the event offered more than just customers.
“It's kind of like a network of everybody supporting everybody, and I love that,” Alexis said. “Events like this help uplift Black-owned businesses and strengthen community connections.”
Shanora Curry, the 45-year-old owner of Trusted Hands Health and Wellness, said events like “Tha Cookout” help give local businesses visibility.
“ Some people don't know that some businesses exist until they see them at events,” Curry said. “I want us to come together as one whole to continue to support each other, whether we're business owners or just being a part of this community.”
For families, the environment provided a safe and open space in which they could be fully present and seen.
Maiya Carmichael, a 30-year-old Jacksonville resident, attended the event with her family because her cousin is one of the organizers, and she wanted to show support. It was refreshing to find an event where the community could enjoy itself, she said.
“The vendors are on time, smells good, breeze is nice,” Carmichael said. “The kids are screaming, so I feel like they’re having a really good time.”
Contact Candy Fontana-Verde at cfontanaverde@alligator.org. Follow her on X @CandyFontanaV.
