Coliseum in Community
I often share about how buildings can be used as tools of service for community. They serve as places of gathering, shelter and learning to name a few. Recently, the Historic Coliseum Building had a chance to do just that…to be the setting for a community wide event to “Shine a Light on Her”. The day started with a Mama Parade that highlighted women business owners who uplift and shape our lives. With music, drumlines and jump rope teams, mothers and their families were celebrated in recognition of their incredible contributions to the Longfellow neighborhood. Participants also had opportunity to share their reflections on motherhood by writing on the windows of the Coliseum building. After the parade, participants were welcomed into the Coliseum Event Center to convene in a space for a wellness vendor pop-up creating opportunities for mothers to connect with local businesses to network, collaborate and find employment.
Simple things, walls, windows and floor space, being used in community, by community and for community to shine light on the ongoing recovery work of Lake Street after 2020. As an architect, it is these types of moments that bring me joy. Seeing how the things we help shape impact lives.
Read more about the Mama Parade here.
