Familes enjoy back to school cookout in Milan

MILAN, Tenn. —  One church charged the city of Milan to be a part of the first of many community cookouts.

City leaders and community sponsors responded in a big way.

Whether inside the bounce house or outside playing catch with Milan police and firemen, this is a time for the whole community to celebrate the start of a new school year.

“I think its a special event for the community so the kids can get to know each other and have a good time before they go back to school,” Milan parent Paula Fuller said.

“That I’m having fun and I love everybody and hopefully everybody can get along a lot,” student  Jarrik Long said.

The Anointed Headquarters Global Ministries gave away food and school supplies provided by local sponsors.

“During this school season the Lord just placed in to my heart to go ahead and host an event for the children,” Anointed Headquarters Global Ministries Pastor Linette Johnson said. 

“A lot of people around here can’t afford a lot of stuff for their children,” parent Kevin Long said. “I like this event because it shows that everybody here can actually get along for once, so it helps out the community, I hope we can do more and more of it.”

Milan mayor B.W. Beasley and Alderwoman Tammy Wade also attended the event.

“It really becomes like a block party where you really get to know your neighbors,” Milan Mayor B.W. Beasley. “That creates safety and everything for our community.”

“I think it’s really nice for the kids to be able to come out here and have a good time especially in the community that we’re in,” parent Theresa Smith said.

City leaders hope community events like this one will spread to neighborhoods across city.

“Well this is one of many because when they were talking to us, they gave me the idea to encourage the other complexes to do the same thing,” Ward 4 Alderwoman Tammy Wade said.

Organizers say this was a fun way for the community to show its support for the students.

“Have fun out here so the kids can come out and enjoy and relax and just look forward to the new school year,” event organizer  Lisa Cole said.

Pastor Linette Johnson plans on having more of these community events in Milan and hopes other apartments will try cookouts to unite their residents. The Anointed Headquarters Global Ministries in Milan plan to have another big event for the community during the holiday season.