Seward Co-op’s 50^th anniversary block party at Open Streets Franklin was a huge success! Skilled and flexible co-op staff, board members, and community organizations helped make this celebration possible. Thanks to everyone who attended, especially those who did not let intermittent rain showers deter their dancing to KRSM-curated tunes from DJs Talia Knight and Drunken Monkeee, and performances by Malamanya and Kashimana.

At the party, kids got their wiggles out in a giant cow-shaped bounce house, attendees shared memories and visions of the future with board members, and browsed art made by talented Seward Co-op staff. Over 300 people enjoyed a delicious $5 meal featuring ingredients from Community Foods producers, evidenced by a line full of enthusiastic (and patient!) attendees all afternoon.

We also enjoyed food and samples from Community Foods vendors, including Nixta Tortilleria, Jajja Wellness, Nuclear Nectar, and Northstar Kombucha. Seward Co-op staff members were sampling our house-made cookies from the bakery and grapes from the produce department. We are so appreciative for the treats and support from them all!

For the past half century, Seward Co-op’s Ends Statement has led us to sustain a healthy community and the co-op could not do that without the collaboration of like-minded local organizations. At the block party, we hosted 13 community partner organizations including Sabathani Community Center, Isuroon, Division of Indian Work, RECLAIM, and others. Over the years, all of these organizations have been recipients of the co-op’s “round up at the register” SEED grant, and the block party was a great opportunity to visit face to face! Tamales y Bicicletas repaired bikes all afternoon, provided supplies to decorate them, and shared resources about food sovereignty. Local artist Mónica Nadal hand screen-printed our 50^th anniversary logo on 75 tote bags and poster boards to share with community members.

Fifty years ago when Seward Co-op was founded, the world seemed increasingly fragile, alienating, and volatile. People responded by participating in grassroots organizing to build a better world. As we celebrate our co-op now in 2022, we are grateful for events like this summer’s block party. Thanks once again to all who made it out, and to all who continue to reflect on who we are as part of a broader cooperative movement working for justice and the abolition of oppressive systems.