NAACP’s Community Cookout in Galesburg

On this episode of Galesburg’s Morning News, Pam Davidson, president of the Galesburg NAACP, talks about the 16th annual Community Cookout, set for Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kiwanis Park. Davidson highlighted the event’s free offerings—food, over 250 backpacks with school supplies, haircuts for kids, and activities like face painting and balloon animals—aimed at supporting families and uniting the community. She emphasized the cookout’s inclusivity, welcoming all ages and backgrounds, with contributions from sponsors like BNSF Railroad (meat and condiments), UAW Union (backpacks), Hope House, and GM (drinks), plus volunteer efforts from the Galesburg High School football team and local leaders. The event, which feeds around 400 people, also serves as a membership drive ($30 adults, $15 youth) and a platform to strengthen community ties, with plans to make it “bigger and better” each year.