Families enjoy LES Block Party (photo credit: Hobson PR)
*As educators, policymakers, and community leaders across the country continue searching for ways to address persistent racial disparities in education, one Harlem-based organization is celebrating a decade of helping young people overcome barriers and achieve success.
Learning & Educational Solutions (LES), a New York City nonprofit focused on education, mentorship, leadership development, and workforce readiness, recently marked its 10th anniversary with a community block party that brought together residents, educators, elected officials, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and families in celebration of ten years of impact.
The milestone comes at a time when many communities continue to grapple with achievement gaps, unequal access to resources, and economic challenges that disproportionately affect Black and underserved students. While there is no single solution to these longstanding issues, organizations like LES have emerged as important community-based partners, providing mentorship, academic support, leadership training, and pathways to opportunity that can help young people navigate obstacles and reach their full potential.
While the festivities featured music, games, performances, and family activities, the celebration reflected something much larger than a neighborhood gathering. It served as a reminder of the critical role grassroots organizations play in creating opportunities where they are often needed most.
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Held in the heart of Harlem, the event transformed 131st Street into a vibrant gathering place where community members of all ages came together to celebrate a decade of service dedicated to youth empowerment, educational advancement, and community engagement.
Throughout the day, children enjoyed bouncy houses, games, giveaways, and free Italian ice while families connected with local organizations and resources designed to strengthen the community. Raising Cane’s contributed gift cards and prizes, helping create lasting memories for attendees.
One of the day’s most anticipated attractions was a youth dance contest hosted by Harlem legend Tone Wop. Young participants eagerly took center stage, showcasing their creativity, confidence, and talent while competing for prizes and encouragement from the crowd. The contest reflected the positive energy and potential that community organizations strive to cultivate in young people nationwide.
Entertainment remained a focal point throughout the celebration. Harlem’s own Fergie Baby delivered an electrifying performance that energized attendees and highlighted the borough’s rich artistic legacy. Music provided by DJ Webstar, Ms. Moe Money, Young Bae, and Will Traxx kept the crowd moving and created an atmosphere that celebrated Harlem’s culture, history, and community pride.
The event also drew support from elected officials and community leaders who recognized LES for its decade-long commitment to helping students overcome obstacles and pursue their goals.
Among those in attendance was New York State Senator Cordell Cleare, who praised the organization’s impact on young people and families throughout the community.
“Celebrating Learning & Educational Solutions’ 10-year anniversary block party in Harlem where education meets community, and students are empowered to write their own story,” said Senator Cleare. “L.E.S. is changing lives through the Road 2 Graduation program, helping at-risk students overcome barriers, stay in school, and step into their futures with confidence. I am honored to stand with this incredible organization. Keep building. Keep lifting. Keep graduating.”
For LES Founder and Executive Director Tawana Butler-Batts, the anniversary represented both a celebration of past accomplishments and a renewed commitment to the future.
“Reaching ten years is both humbling and inspiring,” said Butler-Batts. “What started as a vision to create opportunities for young people has grown into a movement powered by community, partnerships, and purpose. Every student who graduated, every family we supported, and every life we’ve touched represents the reason we do this work. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to empowering the next generation and ensuring that every young person knows their dreams are possible.”
Under Butler-Batts’ leadership, LES has become a trusted resource throughout Harlem, providing educational support, mentoring, leadership development, workforce readiness training, and initiatives designed to help young people reach their full potential.
For ten years, the organization has worked to empower young people through programs designed to increase educational attainment, strengthen leadership skills, and prepare students for future careers. Its work reflects a growing recognition that academic success is often supported not only by schools, but by strong community networks that provide guidance, encouragement, and real-world opportunities.
The celebration also welcomed members of The Harlem Gentlemen, whose presence underscored the continuing importance of mentorship, leadership, and positive role models in shaping future generations.
As children laughed, families connected, and music filled the streets, the event served as a reminder of a lesson being embraced by communities nationwide: when young people are supported, entire communities benefit.
Ten years after its founding, Learning & Educational Solutions continues to demonstrate how grassroots organizations can help bridge opportunity gaps, strengthen communities, and prepare young people for success.
While the celebration took place in Harlem, its message resonates far beyond New York City. As communities nationwide seek solutions to persistent educational and economic disparities, LES offers an example of how local investment, mentorship, and community engagement can help create pathways to success for young people who too often face systemic barriers.
For Harlem, the block party was more than a celebration. It was a testament to the impact of an organization that has spent the last decade helping young people dream bigger, achieve more, and believe in what’s possible.
And judging by the overwhelming support shown throughout the day, the next chapter of LES’s story may be its most impactful yet.
For more information, visit www.lesinc.org.
Article by Jazmyn Summers. You can hear Jazmyn every morning on “Jazmyn in the Morning “on Sirius XM Channel 362 Grown Folk Jamz. Subscribe to Jazmyn Summers’ YouTube. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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