Board of Parks Commission approves Kenosha NAACP's Roosevelt Park event for Aug. 30

The Board of Parks Commission on July 13 approved a request from the Kenosha branch NAACP to use Roosevelt Park on Aug. 30, 2026, for a "Back to School Praise in the Park" featuring food service, temporary structures and signage.

The request was presented during the public-hearing portion of the meeting by Monroe Mitchell, who identified himself as chair of the Kenosha NAACP. Mitchell said the event is new for the group and described it as a mix of worship and community outreach: "Praise in the park, back to school praise in the park, along with the cookout, you know, burgers, hot dogs," he said, adding organizers planned community engagement and outreach in the surrounding district.

Another attendee who identified himself during public comment as President Anthony Davis said he and the NAACP organizers wanted to support students and families with the event. A commissioner noted the applicants included a rain date; that commissioner said having a rain date was a good idea before moving to approve the permit. The commission seconded the motion and approved it by voice vote; the chair voted aye and the motion carried.

The approval authorizes the NAACP to use Roosevelt Park on the specified date with the temporary structures, signage and food service described in the permit application. The commission did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; the action was taken as a voice vote. The permit is subject to any standard park rules and permit conditions enforced by staff.