Black Diamond returns to Diamond Park this weekend

Apr. 19—For parents wondering how to keep their kids busy over the summer, camp is often the answer.

For young people wondering what to do with their futures, "Camp" Black Diamond could offer pathways worth considering.

"We're marketing towards high schoolers," said Inayah Toussaint, community outreach coordinator for the fourth annual Black Diamond event taking place Saturday in Diamond Park, "so they have an idea of what they want to do after high school, whether that's college, trade school, the military."

Black Diamond comes to the park it shares a name with each spring and celebrates Black culture, history, artists and businesses in Meadville.

After being launched in 2019, the free event picked up again in 2022 after two pandemic cancellations. Toussaint, a junior at Allegheny College, has been a part of the celebration since her first year at the school.

"We have speakers like Mayor Jamie Kinder and Jackie Roberson from FCCA [Family and Community Christian Association], plus a huge assortment of games," she said. "This will be a nice event for everyone to enjoy."

The event is organized by a committee that includes students from Allegheny's Bonner Service Leader program and Meadville Area Senior High.

The western portion of Diamond Park from Walnut Street to South Main Street will be closed from approximately 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the event.

You can go

The 2024 Black Diamond event takes place Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. in Diamond Park. The free event celebrates Black culture and Black-owned businesses in the Meadville area and will provide resources on this year's theme, "Camp" Black Diamond. The event includes free food from Meadville Eats, speakers, activities, kids games, vendors and more. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Family and Community Christian Association, 378 Chestnut St.

Mike Crowley can be reached at (814) 724-6370 or by email at mcrowley@meadvilletribune.com.