Throughout the tranquil greenery of Cynthia Moore Chestnut Park and Clark Butler Nature Preserve, laughter and camaraderie echoed through the trees as Gainesville locals gathered for "Tha Cookout," a vibrant celebration organized by Ashlei and Malcom Askew. The June 16 afternoon event marked not only a celebration of Juneteenth but also a tribute to fatherhood and community spirit.
The Askews run Keller Williams Gainesville Realty Partners, a real estate agency in Gainesville. But the duo’s commitment to uplifting the community goes beyond helping through real estate to different kinds of events, such as “Tha Cookout.”
“One of the ways we want to give back to our community is by organizing more events that bring the community together and focuses on positive Black culture,” Ashlei Askew said.
“Tha Cookout” was a free event for attendees of all ages with an array of activities designed to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
From a Spades tournament and a "Shoot Your Shot" basketball challenge to local vendors and storytelling sessions, the event offered something for everyone.
“There is a lot of stereotypes out there about our demographic, but we are really passionate about reclaiming that narrative, challenging those stereotypes and just showing the world who we are,” Ashlei Askew said.
The sounds of favorite old and new school music paired with delicious cookout favorites provided a relaxing backdrop as families, friends and neighbors mingled under the hot Florida sun.
Crystal Rushing, owner of MKKS Event Decor and More, was a partner in the event. The collaborative effort behind “‘Tha Cookout” aims to support Gainesville’s Black businesses, she said.
“We have partnered to get together and create SupportBLKGNV,” Rushing said. “That’s just a business where we are collaborating with the community and bringing together businesses to uplift the Black community.”
SupportBLKGNV is a community platform in Greater Gainesville dedicated to empowering and connecting the Black community through spotlighting businesses, promoting cultural events and providing essential local resources. It aims to foster inclusivity and celebrate Black excellence within the region.
The Askews are also hosting an upcoming Chess N’ Chill event scheduled for the Juneteenth holiday.
“All of our events are inclusive. We don’t exclude anyone,” Ashlei Askew said. “Everyone is able to come, but they are curated for our culture.”
“Tha Cookout” was not only a celebration of cultural heritage and community but also a testament to the power of local initiatives in promoting inclusivity and positive change for local Black community members and entrepreneurs like 21-year-old Kione Forrest.
Forrest, CEO of Gainesville Christian community arts center Til I Die, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be invited to “Tha Cookout.”
“They got a lot of love for Gainesville. This is something that specifically East Gainesville needs,” Forrest said. “It’s a great opportunity to come and table, come and love on everybody. The vibes are immaculate. There’s a lot of love if you look for it.”
Contact Sabrina Castro at scastro@alligator.org. Follow her on X @sabs_wurld.
Sabrina Castro is a rising senior studying journalism at the University of Florida and a Summer 2024 reporter for The Avenue. In her free time you can find her scrolling TikTok or searching for hidden gems at local thrift stores.
