Maroon Day of Service, Dawah, and Community Grab and Go Iftar

The Maroon Day of Service, Dawah & Community Grab & Go Iftar was held on Sunday, April 25, 2021. This was the first inaugural event, and Maroon Day will be held each year on the second Sunday during the month of Ramadan.
Community stakeholders came together and organized Maroon Day of Service at the Gladys Inabinette Shoatz Community Sitting Garden and Totland, 266-268 S. 58th Street. The day included a 5-hour street clean-up and cultivation, and an organized march to Malcolm X Park remembering Walter Wallace. The afternoon consisted of presentations and culminated with a Grab & Go Iftar that fed 150+ fasting and non-fasting community members.
CDC and City of Philadelphia guidelines were followed and throughout the day safe social distancing was encouraged.
We hope that on Maroon Day we will cultivate community through beautician, service, and charity during this month of Ramadan.
Also, we can help Russell Maroon Shoatz “Maroon” by giving charity in his name. This charity is considered Sadaqah Jariyah “A Charity that will continue and flow even after death,” i.e. building a school, a place of worship, or planting a tree.
Maroon sacrificed his life and freedom for nearly 50 years. He is DYING. His dream is to build a tiny home in the garden. A place for community members to pray, for safe and cultivate peace and sustainability. As we Beg GOD to pardon him this act of charity will assist him even after death. We will build partnerships, have accountability as members and stakeholders in the community. We will be responsible for our values and actions-representing a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
This day of service is the beginning of a healed community. We have a GREAT vision and hope for this section of Sayre Square.