2024 Theme Announcement For Spirit Of Beacon: "Unity in the Community"

HELLO BEACONITES!!!

We’re back. We are back for Spirit of Beacon Day 2024, the 47th celebration of this day. Without you, the Spirit of Beacon Day doesn’t happen. Thank you. 

Sunday, September 29th, 2024 is the date. We repeat it’s the 47th anniversary: Since 1977, the annual Spirit of Beacon Day has been organized by a volunteer committee, taking place every last Sunday of September as a city-wide celebration featuring festivities and a parade. 

2024 Theme

Each year, the Spirit of Beacon Day has had a theme. Last year, it was “Level Up”, the year prior “the Origin Story.” This year's theme: “Unity in the Community”. Our committee wants the Spirit of Beacon to feel more inclusive. Greater community engagement is the goal for this year's event. We asked our committee what Unity in the Community means to them.

"I think about the origins of this day and how it can serve as inspiration for leading by example and confronting intolerance towards differences. A reminder of the ways in which we can support one another and work towards healing divisions. We all share a common desire to be safe, healthy, and happy in Beacon. Let us continue to keep this in mind in how we show up for one another." Says Spirit of Beacon’s Secretary, Jeana Pearl Fletcher

“Unity in the Community” means fostering a sense of solidarity, mutual recognition, and respect to achieve common goals despite differences in background and beliefs. It means calling our neighbors in and growing together.” Says Spirit of Beacon’s Treasurer, Jennifer Garfield Abrams

“Unity begins with empathy.” Says Spirit of Beacon Board Member, Junior Zayed Dabashi 

“Spirit of Beacon Day is the time of year to demonstrate and showcase how diverse Beacon is. By bringing our energies together as a collective, intentional, holistic spirit, or beacon, a shining light out of the darkness.” Says Spirit of Beacon’s Chair, Ali T. Muhammad

What does Unity in the Community mean to you in Beacon? 

New Additions

  • Incorporating more cultural foods and vendors

  • Introducing local Rock & Roll, Hip-Hop and R&B music

  • Hosting a DJ cipher session

  • Create a Spirit of Beacon collage to remember lost community members and share memories, reflecting on the significance of SOB Day to you.

What’s Next

We are thankful for the opportunity to have participated in the 2nd Annual Juneteenth celebration last Wednesday! Photos of joy and hopes for the future of Beacon shared above.

In the spirit of Unity in the Community, we are looking for collaborations with other local organizations to uphold the spirit of Beacon throughout the year. Please email us to let us know how we can support what you have going on!

Want to get involved now?

If there’s an organization or program that benefits the youth and their families in Beacon let us know. Send us your favorite picture from Spirit of Beacon Day. Email or direct message your favorite story from a past Spirit of Beacon day. Sign up to be a volunteer.

Spread the word! September 29th is the 47th Spirit of Beacon Day celebration. 

We thank you for your love of home. We love Beacon. We want to empower Beacon kids. We want a day to celebrate for the whole family.

The Mission

The mission of the Spirit of Beacon is to connect the youth with the community, their neighbors, and local organizations that support them. The goal is to demonstrate there are ample opportunities for kids of all ages in Beacon. Our mission is to make sure the families of Beacon are informed of these positive outlets and knowledgeable of the ways to connect with them.

MAY 1977 THE “COMMUNITY DAY” IS CREATED AS A SOLUTION

One of the positive things to come out of these meetings was the creation of a “Community Day”.  This was to be a day to bring the City together, especially the children and youth.  All were in agreement that the community should get to know one another better, and learn to know what each other liked in conversation, feelings, entertainment, education, and food.  It was now the month of May, almost June.  Would there be enough time to get ready for a “Community Day”, and what would it be called?  The group thought it could be held on the last Sunday in September on Main Street.  Several names were discussed and it was finally decided to it “Spirit of Beacon Day”.  It was to be a day when everyone would come together and attempt a better understanding of each other and the entire community.

Booths featuring food, crafts, and exhibits from local organizations and agencies lined Main Street.  A stage for entertainment was set up on both South Brett Street and South Chestnut Street.  A parade led by the Mayor and City Council marched down Main Street.  The highlight was ensuring every youth person felt embraced and valued as an important part of the celebration.

Jeana Pearl Fletcher