"Our House" event brings community to the table
The weather on Saturday, August 24th gave an ideal setting for the inaugural “Our House” Community Table (OHCT) event which was held at Harris Park located at 206 Wilfred Avenue in Lexington. Members of the local community filled the park and joined in what is being described as a perfect evening. The cookout began with an introduction and welcome by OHCT creator, Clarence-Vernon Hargrave who spoke of what inspired his idea to develop the organization for the citizens of Lexington. Hargrave also introduced who he refers to as the dream team that made this event possible, Smoke & Oak owner, Courtney Crowson and community activist and Senate Candidate, Tina Royal.
{Image: Davidson Local} Harris Park was the location of the "Our House" Community Table cookout in Lexington.
Community leader, Donald Holt delivered the invocation, blessed the event and the efforts of the organization. Courtney Crowson stated, “ Mr. Holt is such an important and influential leader in our community from politics to religion, he has a presence that we need.” Crowson joined the program by enthusiastically explaining the goals and purpose of OHCT, followed by Royal, who warmed up the crowd and made everyone feel welcomed. Not only was it a day of love, peace and togetherness. It was also a day of conscious kindness and purpose.
Joining the event with resources for the community were:
Advocate Law
Davidson County Historical Museum
DC Connect
The Obituary Project by Tonya Lanier
Local Vote Registration
Davidson County Democratic Women
Anything For Our Youth Group.
Practically every face in the park carried a smile. Everyone spoke and talked with each other, with strangers leaving as new friends. There was a kaleidoscope of people varying in ages from months old to elders approaching the centenary of their birth. The air was filled with laughter, music by MC/DJ SPYDR and the smell of smoke wafting from the gigantic barbecue grill.
The delicious food was provided and prepared by the Tau Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and was then organized and served by members of The Hargrave Foundation, with all in attendance eating their fill.
{Image: Public Use} The Tau Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc provided the food and were the grill masters for the "Our House" Community Table event.
The special guests of OHCT were Officers of the Lexington Police Department (LPD), who arrived surprised to receive the honor. Senate Candidate, Tina Royal reminded the attendees that the LPD was there not as a security measure, but to meet the community and to foster relationships. Hargrave added, “Repairing the connection with the community and the LPD is an immediate goal of OHCT and one which the organization is more that willing to facilitate.”
Other guests included local influential citizens who were recognized by OHCT as influencers in our community and asked to join the organization.
OHCT recognizes the following influencers:
Beth Burke
De Lisa Holt-Andeson
Lauren Hargrave
Julie Harshaw
Donald Holt.
These are people that OHCT feels bring a sense of positivity and togetherness to the community through their actions, style and connections.
From dancing to basketball, jumping rope, hands of spades and hula hoops, there was no shortage of activities. The highlight of the evening was a kick ball game that involved almost everyone. The LPD held their own while joining in on all of the fun and left having made several new acquaintances.
{Image: Davidson Local} Captain Ronnie Best of the Lexington Police Department helps win a fun game of tug-of-war at the inaugural "Our House" Community Table event in Lexington.
The next OHCT event is presently being planned and the date will be announced this week on the organization’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563810831789.
To reach OHCT, join as a sponsor or to contribute, please email the organization at ourhouselexington@gmail.com.
{Images: Clarence-Vernon Hargrave/OHCT}
