The True East Selma Youth and Community Development Collaborative held its first 8^th Ward Family Fest Saturday afternoon.

Several residents and organizations filled East Selma Park to provide unity in the community and keep the youth active in positive events.

Selma Air, Alabama Career Center System, Get Fit Selma, Legal Services Alabama and Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth and Reconciliation (SCNTR) were among the local organizations represented.

Toby Johnson, the organization’s executive director, said something was needed to uplift the Queen City. The True East Selma Youth and Community Development Collaborative grew from a Facebook Group.

“I put it together for East Selma to have resources,” Johnson said. “When I was a child we had all kinds of things to do in East Selma. We’ll always have events to uplift the community.”

Alabama Career Center Manager Clifford O. Hunter was among those who praised Johnson’s idea for a Family Fest.

“I think its an awesome idea to raise awareness in your community,” Hunter said. “It’s also a time to fellowship. Kudos to the sponsor of this.”

Janice Parker of Get Fit Selma said it was important to discuss having a healthy lifestyle with East Selma residents.

The free festival also had food, games, music, bounce houses and giveaways in the Ward of Selma City Councilman Michael Johnson.

Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum dropped by the event.