Andre Franklin, a member of B.U.I.L.D., explains the game to a group of children during the annual B.U.I.L.D. Back 2 School Kickball Classic on Aug. 31 at Genesee Park. (Photo: Susan Fried) 
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PHOTO ESSAY | B.U.I.L.D. Back 2 School Kickball Classic 2024

The day was filled with fun and community, and it was a great way to end the summer and send the kids back to school on a positive note.

Susan Fried

by Susan Fried

B.U.I.L.D. (Brothers United in Leadership Development) took over Genesee Park on Saturday, Sept. 31, for its annual Back 2 School Kickball Classic. Over 40 vendors showcased their products and services at the vendor and resource fair. Several of the vendors were part of the 2024 BUILD Black Wealth incubator program.

While DJ Mr. Nyice Guy played music in the background, dozens of children and adults played several spirited games of kickball. Even former Seattle Supersonic Shawn Kemp and his son joined in the fun.

The day was filled with fun and community, and it was a great way to end the summer and send the kids back to school on a positive note.

Donovan Dewberry throws the ball to home plate in an attempt to stop a run from being scored. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Jalani, 7, kicks the ball during the B.U.I.L.D. Back 2 School Kickball Classic on Aug. 31 at Genesee Park. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Children listen to an explanation of the rules of kickball before playing at the Back 2 School Kickball Classic. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Coriel, 8, kicks the ball. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Deaunte Damper runs to third base. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Former Seattle Supersonic Shawn Kemp gets ready to catch the ball. (Photo: Susan Fried)
U'lanii, 5, and Jalani, 7, play a game of Jenga during the annual B.U.I.L.D. Back 2 School Kickball Classic. (Photo: Susan Fried)
The Moss Shop sells its products during the annual B.U.I.L.D. Back 2 School Kickball Classic. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Michael Carter, the co-owner and a designer with KBMC Dungeon Designs LLC, was one of the 40 vendors who participated in the resource fair. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Representatives of the King County District Court answered questions as part of the B.U.I.L.D. Back 2 School Kickball Classic resource fair. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Kay Burnett, aka 'Kay the Paint Lady,' a B.U.I.L.D. Black wealth incubator awardee, was one of the 40 vendors who participated in the resource fair. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Leah, the owner of LadaNada Empanadas, prepares some empanadas for a customer. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Former Seattle Supersonic Shawn Kemp attempts to get his son, Jamon, out during a kickball game. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Susan Fried is a 40-year veteran photographer. Her early career included weddings, portraits, and commercial work — plus, she's been The Skanner News' Seattle photographer for 25 years. Her images have appeared in the University of Washington's The Daily, The Seattle Globalist, Crosscut, and many more.She's been an Emerald contributor since 2015. Follow her on Instagram @fried.susan.

Featured Image: Andre Franklin, a member of B.U.I.L.D., explains the game to a group of children during the annual B.U.I.L.D. Back 2 School Kickball Classic on Aug. 31 at Genesee Park. (Photo: Susan Fried)

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Before you move on to the next story …

The South Seattle Emerald™ is brought to you by Rainmakers. Rainmakers give recurring gifts at any amount. With around 1,000 Rainmakers, the Emerald™ is truly community-driven local media. Help us keep BIPOC-led media free and accessible.

If just half of our readers signed up to give $6 a month, we wouldn’t have to fundraise for the rest of the year. Small amounts make a difference.

We cannot do this work without you. Become a Rainmaker today!