The Black Excellence Block Party was hosted by Mill Valley Middle School (MVMS) Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committees on Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 5-7 p.m. at the Mill Valley Community Center. 

The purpose of the Block Party was to honor local Black trailblazers, community, and culture, according to the City of Mill Valley. 

“Building community and celebrating our differences and similarities is one of the goals of the DEI work that we do here. What better way to [do this than] highlight some of the leaders in our community and inspire our kids to be future leaders,” Block Party Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Massairi said. 

The event hosted over 20 booths, with organizations including Play Marin!, Griot Theatre Company, the Marin County Cooperation Team, and MVMS Students Organized Against Racism. 

The Block Party had a series of performances, featuring the Roco Dance Synergy Crew, ABADÁ Capoeira Marin, a Yema fashion show, LeShawn Holcomb, Jason and Jazzy from The J2 Project, and a poetry reading by Amber Allen-Peirson, amongst others. 

Additionally, there were an assortment of vendors, including Sweet Tey’s Pastries, Yema, Spread Love, Forrest Fire BBQ, and Doggy Dog Treats by Jazzy. 

“I am really enjoying it and I think it’s good for the community. Also, it’s a fun event,”  Jasmine Thomas-Gainey, MVMS eighth grader and Doggy Dog Treats by Jazzy founder, said.