Trenton Comes Together for 3rd Annual Lead Awareness Day Despite Nor'Easter Early Arrival

This past Saturday morning (Oct 11), I woke up and checked my weather app. The forecast was 50s and cloudy— no rain. I thought to myself, “Well, it won’t be quite as beautiful and sunny as last year’s lead awareness cookout, but we’ll still have a great time.”

Well, I was right, but my weather app was wrong. The drizzle started around 9 am and continued on and off throughout the morning and early afternoon. During the brief window where it stopped and the sky teased at opening up, we weren’t able to get going with the opening invocation and remarks, DJ, and live band, due to not only the weather but also various delays and denials of promised equipment.

Throughout all of these setbacks, I couldn’t help but keep my spirit up because everywhere I looked, I saw smiles. I saw collaboration. I saw positive mindsets and expansive visions, expressed and embodied through beloved community organizations, coming together to do what we were there to do— provide information and resources on environmental justice, particularly lead eradication, to those who needed them.

In all, we had over 150 adults in attendance, plus many children and youth from the community.

First and foremost, the Magnetic Force Smooth Steppers Drill Team started the event off with a rousing performance:

The Trenton Health & Human Services Department provided lead testing for children (with parental consent). Aetna Better Health of New Jersey brought its 40-foot bus, out of which they conducted blood pressure screenings and Medicaid assistance. Amanda's Latin Cuisine food truck provided free lunch to all attendees via the sponsorship of Lead Free NJ. Dr. Baily and her daughter Maya provided face painting again this year. And CJ the Barber provided free haircuts.

DJ Jess Apollo even found a way to get some music going under a tent. And I know that my band, the Aspirations, hopes to come back and play our 70s and 80s funk hits next year.

And of course, nothing could stop bingo. The Outdoor Equity Alliance, Rutgers Environmental Health & Science Institute, Kean University, and Newark Water Coalition donated baskets and other prizes to the winners.

Other partner organizations who showed up, supported, and tabled included the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Isles, Environmental Justice Alliance, Trenton Health Team, Trenton Microloans, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, Trenton Fire Dept, Mercer Street Friends. Quayshaun Williams of Much Better Studios provided photography, and LaValle Jumps provided the bouncy house.

We are grateful to all of our partners for a wonderful 3rd Lead Awareness Day, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s.