June 22, 2021, East Orange, NJ: Postpartum and Me, B.A.D. Moms Link Up, LLC, Mayor Ted R. Green and the East Orange City Council are teaming up to present a citywide Double Dutch Back-to-School Fundraiser Competition on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 2pm. Teams wishing to participate may enter the competition for $25 per person for teams up to four.

The competition, Jump Into Learning, will be held at Elmwood Park in East Orange and will feature a special performance by Floyd’s Double Dutch Elite, DJ Kwame Fresh, the “Hot Dog Lady,” Mr. Softee’s Ice Cream Truck, a Bouncy House and other fun activities for children.

Event Admission is $2 or new school supplies. Proceeds from the event will help sponsor a Back–to-School Giveaway to be scheduled in August. 

Nana-Afrakomah Manu, founder of Postpartum and Me and B.A.D. Moms Link Up, LLC, thought it was especially important to make sure the event happened this year.  

“This event is important to a lot of mothers and children who have not been able to go outside, exercise or just enjoy fresh air due to COVID-19,” said Manu. “Being able to reconnect with the community will mean the world to many of these families.”

Double Dutch, a longtime staple in the Black community, is believed to have truly sparked in the United States during the 1930s in the streets of Harlem, New York. The original rope skipping game came to the United States by way of Dutch immigrants, hence the name Double Dutch. 

Today, the game has evolved to be an international competitive sport. The creative and rhythmic aspects of the game have rendered it a keystone in urban communities across America. 

Mayor Green said he appreciates Manu for playing an active role in bringing people in the community together for an afternoon of good, wholesome family fun. 

“Double Dutch is fun to do, but even more fun to watch. From block parties and parks to schoolyards and cookouts, Double Dutch has been a cultural rite of passage for decades,” said Mayor Green. “This competition will provide a great platform for our children to compete and showcase their talents.”

WHO:              Postpartum and Me, B.A.D. Moms Link Up, LLC, Mayor Ted R. Green and the East Orange City Council

WHAT:           Jump Into Learning Double Dutch Competition Fundraiser

WHEN:            Sunday, June 27, 2021@2pm 

WHERE:         Elmwood Park, East Orange, NJ

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