The Flourish’s Block in Bloom Brings Music, Movement and Community to Ensley
By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times The Flourish transformed its Ensley block into a celebration of art, culture and community on Saturday during its inaugural Block In Bloom Block Party. Free and open to the public, the all-ages event brought together Birmingham residents for a full day of music, performances, workshops and activities designed […]
Black News 
By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times
The Flourish transformed its Ensley block into a celebration of art, culture and community on Saturday during its inaugural Block In Bloom Block Party.
Free and open to the public, the all-ages event brought together Birmingham residents for a full day of music, performances, workshops and activities designed to highlight the creativity and possibilities within the city’s Black Arts District.
The event featured a lineup of local artists and DJs, including DJ Stussy, DJ SE7EN, Kennie BLK, Lillian Aleece, Eb the Celeb, DMNiq, Ta Set, Jaeden Henderson, DJ Nano, Classified Alias, Nekaybaaw, Donny Saygo, DJ Girly and Dear Silas. The event culminated with a performance by Memphis hip-hop duo 8Ball & MJG.
Throughout the day, attendees could participate in workshops held every 30 minutes, offering a range of activities for people of all ages. The programming included gardening, healthy houseplant care, salsa dancing, African drumming and dance, line dancing, belly dancing and yoga.
The event also offered attendees a preview of the upcoming Yonder Wall Mural Festival, a first-of-its-kind mural festival in Alabama scheduled for Oct. 17. During Block In Bloom, Yonder Walls hosted a painting booth that invited attendees of all ages to explore their creativity and contribute to the event’s hands-on arts programming.
The day also included a special showcase from The Flourish Alabama’s Full Bloom Summer Academy, providing young participants with an opportunity to share their work and talents with the community.
For Flourish Co-Founder Jahman Hill, the event was an opportunity to introduce Birmingham to the breadth of work happening at The Flourish while showcasing the artists and creatives who help shape the city’s cultural landscape.
“Today for us is super exciting because it’s our opportunity to really show a whole group, a whole city, what The Flourish does, what we’re about,” Hill said.
The event showcased more than 20 local artists through performances, DJ sets and workshops. Hill said the goal was to demonstrate the possibilities of the Black Arts District and the creative energy already present in Ensley.
“People are here for the local artists as well,” Hill said. “We showcase over 20 local artists today alone, whether it’s workshops, teaching people, whether it’s stuff for people to groove to, whether it’s music to sing along to. We’re trying to show people what this Black Arts District can be and what it is, right here in Ensley.”
Among the performers was DMNiq, also known as Dominique Posey, who said being selected to perform at Block in Bloom held special meaning.
Originally from Atlanta, DMNiq said he appreciates being embraced by Birmingham and given opportunities to contribute his voice and talents to the city.
“Being here at the Block in Bloom means a lot to me,” he said. “I’m not from Birmingham originally, from Atlanta, so being chosen by Birmingham and chosen to be a performer and a voice for people in the city… it’s really cool, really dope.”
DMNiq also spoke about his continued relationship with The Flourish and his love for Birmingham, where his family has roots.
“Teaming up with The Flourish is always an amazing thing as well,” he said. “I love them. They do a lot of great work, and they always call me, and I’m just glad to be a part and lend my services. I love Birmingham. I love Ensley. My family’s from here. I’m home.”
With its combination of live music, hands-on workshops and family-friendly activities, Block in Bloom offered attendees more than a traditional block party. The event created space for residents to experience local artists, learn something new and engage with the work The Flourish continues to do in the community.
The event also served as a preview of the programming The Flourish has planned for the months ahead. Hill encouraged residents to continue following the organization for upcoming workshops, events and community programming, including its recurring High Tea gathering and future courtyard workshops.
For more information about upcoming events and programs, follow The Flourish Alabama on social media @theflourishalabama.
