LOS ANGELES — This past weekend, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez was joined by community members, local organizations, and small businesses to host the 3rd Annual Lincoln Heights Back to School Giveaway on Broadway. The block-party style event turned a key Lincoln Heights corridor into a unique opportunity for Northeast LA families to access free resources and live entertainment in preparation for the upcoming school year.
“The best investment we can make is in our young people,” said Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez.“For three years in a row, we’ve transformed this corridor into a celebration of community, making sure CD1 students return to school with the supplies they need and the reminder that an entire neighborhood is rooting for them. Raising a child has never been the responsibility of one family alone. It takes a village, and I’m so grateful for all of our wonderful partners who came together to support our youth.”
Highlights included live music on two stages, a lowrider and classic car show, cultural activities, and a wide array of community resource booths aimed at supporting student success. This year’s giveaway provided 1,700 backpacks. In addition to school supplies, families received free health screenings from a Primary Care Mobile Clinic, haircuts, groceries, and access to a vendor village. The event offered enriching experiences, including breakdancing, hip-hop, and graffiti wall demonstrations led by HeavenlyLA, a reptile petting zoo, and the Natural History Museum’s Mobile Ice Age Museum.
Councilmember Hernandez was joined by Assemblymember Mark González and representatives from State Senator Maria Elena Durazo’s office, as well as community-based organizations including Healing Urban Barrios, Soledad Enrichment Action, Lincoln Heights Community Resource Center, and Alma Family Services. Together, they greeted neighbors, handed out backpacks, and visited local booths while joining in the day’s festivities.
“I want to thank Councilmember Hernandez and countless community organizations for their partnership in uplifting our community during this time of year,” said Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez. “So many families in our districts have endured unimaginable hardship, and this back-to-school resource fair helps ensure that our students receive the supplies they need to invest in their education and future.”
“As our children prepare to return to school, we want every student to begin the year with the tools and confidence they need to succeed,” said Senator María Elena Durazo. "Education opens doors and creates opportunity, and I am proud to partner with Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, Healing Urban Barrios, Soledad Enrichment Action, Alma Family Services, the Lincoln Heights Community Resource Center, and so many dedicated community organizations to help ensure our young people start the school year ready to learn and thrive."
North Broadway Lincoln Heights is a central business corridor and gathering place for local residents. The 3rd Annual Lincoln Heights Back to School Giveaway is part of the office’s broader commitment to strengthening local corridors through public events that connect residents to resources, create foot traffic for small businesses, engage young people and families, and celebrate the community’s cultural life.
The event was made possible by the generous support of community sponsors and local partners, including L.A. Care Health Plan, AltaMed, St. John's Community Health, LADWP, and the University of Southern California, whose collaboration underscores the power of partnership in serving Council District 1 families.
Photos and B-roll can be found here.