Celebrating Service: A Joyful Day at Harlem Week Children’s Festival + Seva Equitable’s President Honored with Mayoral Service Award

The Harlem Week Children’s Festival was a wonderful success this year, bringing together families, laughter, and creativity! Kids had the chance to express themselves through painting, creating colorful masterpieces that made the day unforgettable. Each child also received a surprise package filled with a coloring book, crayons, and multiple toys. Even children outside the festival area were included, as packages were shared with kids celebrating Harlem Week throughout the neighborhood.

This special experience was made possible through the partnership of GG & POP Institute and Seva Equitable. Together, we created a fun and welcoming space for children to learn, play, and create. A big thank you goes to St. John the Divine, who generously donated the use of their tables and chairs for the event, as well as to the many volunteers and donors who gave their time and resources to make the day possible. Also, we are grateful to Harlem Week, Inc. for providing Seva Equitable with two vendor spaces at a reduced cost.

In addition to this celebration, we are proud to share that Seva Equitable’s President, Lydell Tyson, has been honored with the Mayoral Service Award for volunteerism for the third time! In 2024 alone, Lydell contributed nearly 400 volunteer hours, leading projects such as the Christmas & New Year Dinner at the Soup Kitchen and the Easter Supper at the Soup Kitchen. His dedication to service continues to guide and inspire the mission of Seva Equitable.

It was truly a joyful day at Harlem Week, made even more meaningful by the spirit of community and service that drives our work every day.

Here are a few snapshots from Harlem Week—though no image can fully capture the love, teamwork, and community spirit that made this event so special!