Salisbury organizer Keonte “Pep Pep” Bryant feeds thousands, says permitting and police engagement complicate his free block party

Keonte “Pep Pep” Bryant, who runs Pep Pep and Sons Trucking and has organized free block parties in Salisbury for about a decade, said he feeds the community, gives free back-to-school haircuts and tries to steer young people away from violence — even as he contends with permitting headaches and enforcement actions. "I do 200 free haircuts for the kids," Bryant said, and estimated the food he stages can reach roughly 2,500 to 3,000 pieces of chicken at a single event.

Bryant described the event as aimed primarily at the Black community but open to anyone in the Salisbury and broader DMV region. He said he buys food over months, stores supplies in freezers and works with local vendors such as Mary’s Kitchen to prepare meals. "I buy cases of quarter legs...When I bought 25 cases, you do the math," he said, explaining his bulk purchasing strategy to maximize portions for kids.

The organizer said safety concerns — including drivers speeding through downtown during evening hours and instances of fighting — prompted him to seek a private, insured location after an early-year event he called "unsafe" because of exposed electrical wires and fireworks near storefronts. "I wanted it blocked off for the safety of the kids," he said, describing efforts to secure short roadway closures and signage.

Bryant said he has struggled to obtain consistent municipal support for road closures and that the fire marshal warned him privately that using fireworks could trigger fines, which he said were quoted at about $250 per firework. "I got over $10,000 worth of fireworks," he told hosts, and questioned why he would be fined when a licensed seller had sold the items to him.

He also criticized a decline in outreach-oriented policing in the community, pointing to a past era when officers handed out teddy bears and bikes. "I don't have anything against law enforcement...I just felt like law enforcement was disrespecting me," Bryant said, urging more positive engagement between officers and young people.

Bryant framed his organizing as personal commitment rather than pursuit of recognition. He told hosts he continued running last year’s event while caring for a sick spouse and after her death; "I lost my wife July 26th of 2025, stage four colon cancer," he said. He added that his motivation remains mentoring and keeping kids connected to adults who care.

Organizers and volunteers contribute time and food; car clubs and local cooks donate dishes and help stage the distribution. Bryant said he coordinates deadlines firmly with contributors and uses insurance and private property agreements to reduce risk. He closed by inviting the community to attend the next block party and asking attendees to "leave drama at home."

The program did not record formal municipal responses to Bryant’s claims about fines, road closures or the origin of the fire marshal’s notification. Bryant said he hopes city officials and enforcement agencies will work more smoothly with community organizers in future events.