So many activities!!!!
Gary, IN – Mayor Eddie Melton and the City of Gary are excited to announce the 2300 Jackson Street Block Party, a two-day event celebrating the birthday of Michael Jackson and honoring the legacy of the Jackson family. This celebration will take place on the campus of the historic Roosevelt High School, at 730 W. 25th Avenue, on August 29th and 30th, 2025. The gathering will offer residents and visitors a weekend filled with entertainment, culture, and community pride.
“As Mayor of Gary, I’m proud to celebrate the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson and the entire Jackson family with this incredible homecoming event,” said Mayor Eddie Melton, “The 2300 Jackson Street Block Party is more than a celebration—it’s a tribute to the roots of greatness that started right here in our city. We honor the Jacksons not just for their global impact, but for the pride and inspiration they continue to give the people of Gary. This weekend is a reminder that world-changing talent can rise from our very own neighborhoods.”
This two-day event will kick off on Michael Jackson's birthday, August 29th, in a celebration hosted by actor and comedian Chris Tucker. Attendees will spend the day immersed in the King of Pop's legendary music and films that continue to inspire generations worldwide.
On Saturday, August 30th, the city will honor the entire Jackson family and welcome home original members of the Jackson 5, Jackie and Marlon Jackson. The day will also feature a special recognition celebrating the life and contributions of Tito Jackson, who passed in 2024.
"Coming back to 2300 Jackson Street is always deeply emotional for me," said Jackie Jackson. "This is where it all started for the Jackson 5, and I have so many memories here. To see Gary celebrating our family's legacy and our roots in this very neighborhood means the world to us."
Marlon Jackson added, "Gary will always be home to us. Being able to come back and celebrate with the people who knew us before we were famous, who watched us grow up on this street, is a blessing. This event is about family, community, and never forgetting where you came from."
The celebration will feature an impressive lineup, including Gary’s own Grammy-award winning vocalist Deniece Williams, who will serve as Saturday's host, and acclaimed rapper Freddie Gibbs. The weekend will also include a special performance by DJ Kid Capri on Saturday and a high-energy tribute performance by Edward Hollis, a nationally recognized Michael Jackson impersonator.
This free, family-friendly weekend is made possible by the generous support of our community sponsors, including Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, Haywood & Fleming Associates, NIPSCO, NiSource, Carmeuse, Centier Bank, Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys at Law, Carmeuse, South Shore CVA, and Gary School Corporation.
For more information, visit https://www.gary.gov/jackson-block-party .
Event Details:
When: Friday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30
Where: Roosevelt High School, 730 W. 25th Avenue
Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00PM
Gary, IN – Mayor Eddie Melton and the City of Gary are excited to announce the 2300 Jackson Street Block Party, a two-day event celebrating the birthday of Michael Jackson and honoring the legacy of the Jackson family. This celebration will take place on the campus of the historic Roosevelt High School, at 730 W. 25th Avenue, on August 29th and 30th, 2025. The gathering will offer residents and visitors a weekend filled with entertainment, culture, and community pride.
“As Mayor of Gary, I’m proud to celebrate the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson and the entire Jackson family with this incredible homecoming event,” said Mayor Eddie Melton, “The 2300 Jackson Street Block Party is more than a celebration—it’s a tribute to the roots of greatness that started right here in our city. We honor the Jacksons not just for their global impact, but for the pride and inspiration they continue to give the people of Gary. This weekend is a reminder that world-changing talent can rise from our very own neighborhoods.”
This two-day event will kick off on Michael Jackson's birthday, August 29th, in a celebration hosted by actor and comedian Chris Tucker. Attendees will spend the day immersed in the King of Pop's legendary music and films that continue to inspire generations worldwide.
On Saturday, August 30th, the city will honor the entire Jackson family and welcome home original members of the Jackson 5, Jackie and Marlon Jackson. The day will also feature a special recognition celebrating the life and contributions of Tito Jackson, who passed in 2024.
"Coming back to 2300 Jackson Street is always deeply emotional for me," said Jackie Jackson. "This is where it all started for the Jackson 5, and I have so many memories here. To see Gary celebrating our family's legacy and our roots in this very neighborhood means the world to us."
Marlon Jackson added, "Gary will always be home to us. Being able to come back and celebrate with the people who knew us before we were famous, who watched us grow up on this street, is a blessing. This event is about family, community, and never forgetting where you came from."
The celebration will feature an impressive lineup, including Gary’s own Grammy-award winning vocalist Deniece Williams, who will serve as Saturday's host, and acclaimed rapper Freddie Gibbs. The weekend will also include a special performance by DJ Kid Capri on Saturday and a high-energy tribute performance by Edward Hollis, a nationally recognized Michael Jackson impersonator.
This free, family-friendly weekend is made possible by the generous support of our community sponsors, including Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, Haywood & Fleming Associates, NIPSCO, NiSource, Carmeuse, Centier Bank, Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys at Law, Carmeuse, South Shore CVA, and Gary School Corporation.
For more information, visit https://www.gary.gov/jackson-block-party .
Event Details:
When: Friday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30
Where: Roosevelt High School, 730 W. 25th Avenue
Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00PM
Gary Health Department Announces Launch of New Behavioral Health Division with over $900k in Community Funding
The initiative was spearheaded by the Interfaith Action Network (IAN), which has been advocating tirelessly for investment in mental health resources for over three years. The Melton administration partnered with IAN to identify funding and key partners.
"At a time when we're seeing reduced access to health care and cuts in funding due to federal and state policy changes, Gary is making a different choice." said Mayor Melton, "We're choosing to invest in expanding mental health care access for our residents, with the resources we have available. This investment reflects our belief that Gary's recovery must include mental, emotional and spiritual healing, not just economic development.”
The funded organizations include:
Sojourner Truth House - $88,000 - Will expand addiction and case management services while working to de-stigmatize mental health services by meeting people where they are in the community.
City Life - $100,000 - Will implement the "Leading with the Heart" project to detect, intervene, and prevent issues impacting youth and families in Gary.
Butterfly Dreamz - $50,000 - Will deploy two wellness coaches to provide conflict resolution, social media resilience building, and peer support services in schools and the community.
Crisis Center Inc. - $124,000 - Will implement the H.O.P.E Initiative to support families experiencing traumatic loss from suicide or homicide through resource packages and coping assistance.
Faith Community Center - $150,000 - Will continue providing emergency housing for women 18+ with children, along with case management and soft skills training to help families achieve independence.
Flourish Community Hub - $50,000 - Will hire two part-time therapists to provide free therapy sessions, mental health support and resources through their community hub located in the church.
For the Love of the Arts Summer Camp - $30,000 - Will address mental health topics with youth through a 6-week summer camp focusing on suicide prevention, violence prevention, and healthy relationships.
Edgewater Youth Addictions - $181,866 - Added substance abuse counselor and addictions therapist to their team, both focused on providing services to youth in the community.
Compassion Care Community - $150,000 - Will implement a hybrid text-based support network for youth and families, including 24/7 mental health access and monthly "Dinner with a Therapist" sessions.
All Things Autism - $50,000 – A day program for youth diagnosed with Autism as well as support for families of the youth.
The Gary Health Department conducted three listening sessions in January and February 2025 to inform potential providers on the Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The department has used tracking systems for payment and transparent documentation throughout the grant funding process.
"In times of change and uncertainty, it's natural to feel overwhelmed while juggling finances, family responsibilities, and personal growth,” said Dr. Janet Seabrook, Gary Health Commissioner, "Seeking mental health support isn't a sign of weakness – it's an act of strength and self-care. You deserve to nourish your mind just as you would your body or spirit. Our partners have created safe places where patients can access mental health resources without stigma."
The Gary Health Department's Behavioral Health Division will continue to monitor community impact as these organizations implement their programs throughout 2025.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, individuals are encouraged to reach out for help and support:
Suicide Crisis Hotline: 988
Mobile Mental Health Crisis Line: (219) 806-3472
Behavioral Health Manager, Chakara Gunn: (219) 239-2322
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Media Contact:
Erika Blackwell, Chief Communications Officer, City of Gary
eblackwell@gary.gov | (219) 806-6489
XXX
