Community Day for Our Youth (August)

Ellie Mejia
Aug 29, 2025
2 min read

A big group shot of our attendees on the Oveton plaza, waving enthusiastically at the camera. — Photo: Joe Ignatius

On Saturday, August 30th, we held our monthly Community Day at Overton. To get us in the back-to-school spirit and showcase the talent and creativity of the young ones among us, we had a completely youth-led Overton Exchange. Vendors included:

Jade and Joy's World, Snack Attack, and Justin’s Corner with delicious treats
Paper Paradise with paper crafts and jewelry
Charred Rooks and Silly Column of Art, with magnets, stickers, t-shirts, and other crafts
C&C Accessories with bracelets and socks
Mook with lego creations
Niyah with lipgloss, lashes and more

Two children sit at a vendor table with bags of candy, chips, and other treats. There is a banner behind them that reads "snack attack." — Photo: Joe Ignatius

A child shows off t-shirts, hats, and other crafts to an attendee. — Photo: Joe Ignatius

A child smiles shyly at two prospective customers. She is at a vendor table with an earring display. — Photo: Joe Ignatius

Joining our young entrepreneurs was a slate of special guests to provide activities and entertainment. Artist and organizer Tanae B. led a creative writing workshop, offering attendees an opportunity to reflect and journal in community. And for those more comfortable with a paintbrush than a pencil, Jenny Guzman brought back her "Build Your Own Seed Stock" workshop [LINK ONCE RECAP BLOG IS PUBLISHED].

LEFT: Tanae B., RIGHT: Jenny Guzman. Photos: Joe Ignatius

Plus: Rapper Zion Ali, a returning favorite, gave a brief performance but the music never stopped thanks to DJ Colin.

LEFT: Zion Ali, RIGHT: DJ Colin. Photos: Joe Ignatius

As always, we are grateful to everyone who took part in our August Community Day. Stay up to date on all Creative Ground activities by singing up for our newsletter or following us on Instagram.

The Overton Exchange POP is brought to you by the City of Chicago’s Public Outdoor Plaza (POP!) program, designed to create strategic community gathering spaces that serve as destination points for residents and neighborhood visitors.