Families packed the Santa Fe College gymnasium Saturday morning for the 27th annual Stop the Violence Back-to-School Rally, an event that has become a fixture for many Alachua County families preparing for the start of a new school year.
Children weaved through rows of tables grabbing pencils, candy and other school supplies. Amid a frenzy of free bouncy balls and spinning prize wheels, parents spoke with representatives of local nonprofits and community organizations. More than a dozen vendors offered free giveaways and services, including haircuts from Amp da Barber.
The rally, organized by the Rev. Karl Anderson of Upper Room Ministries, serves a dual purpose each year: ensuring students have the supplies they need while addressing issues in the community. This year’s theme, “Love Shouldn’t Hurt,” centered on raising awareness about violence and promoting healthy relationships.
“We focus on different areas based on current trends,” Anderson said. “I meet with law enforcement monthly, and we noticed an uptick in violence. Our theme this year is ‘Love Shouldn’t Hurt.’ It’s about being proactive, not reactionary.”
The message of prevention was woven throughout the event, with organizations offering information on youth services, victim advocacy and public safety. Among the participating groups were Children’s Trust of Alachua County, the Office of the State Attorney, Peaceful Paths and several other local nonprofits and agencies.
The morning began with a solo cello performance of the national anthem before families flooded the gymnasium floor. Outside the gym, DJ Vinny Foo of Magic101.3 kept the energy high, providing music and good vibes to everyone who spilled into the parking lot.
The event also drew local officials and community leaders, including Mayor Harvey Ward and local rapper Mr. Gainesville — who seemed to be the main event.
Brandishing an impressive set of gold teeth, Mr. Gainesville took video selfies with anyone who wandered within a six-foot radius of his camera. Among those he snagged on his Instagram feed are the P.K. Yonge cheerleaders whose screams echoed through the wooden, aging gymnasium.
Meridian Healthcare served as the event’s primary sponsor, helping support the annual giveaway alongside numerous community partners and local businesses. Additional support came from organizations including Upper Room Ministries, which hosts the event each year, and AAA Marketing in Advertising and Sales.
Now in its 27th year, the back-to-school rally continues to combine practical assistance with community outreach. While backpacks and notebooks draw families in the door, organizers hope the conversations surrounding safety and violence prevention leave a lasting impact.
Last year, the rally centered on the theme of “We won’t stop until the violence stops.”
