3 Years of Community
Don’t let the internet fool you, but real community still exists off-screen. For three consecutive years, the annual Family and Friends Fest has brought hundreds of Black Milwaukeeans together to celebrate life, fun, and one another. Event organizers are happy to report that no violence has occurred at any of their events.
The annual festivities are centered on community and love, with every event held at a Milwaukee park. The goal is to re-create the Black family BBQ and reunion feel, with a modern twist. Family and Friends Fest is a big gathering for Milwaukee adults to convene, BBQ, and play games.
Family and Friends Fest was started by Tha Guys, including Luis Vasquez, Demecko Riley, Martin Triplett, Marquis Hazelwood, Jon Ragland, and Pairreon Warren.
“Outside of being out in the bars and the clubs, let’s doing something different where we can really have fun,” Vasquez said.
According to Vasquez, this year’s festival was held at Brown Deer Park and brought in around 800 attendees. Each paid attendee received a Family and Friends Fest shirt.
Aside from community and fun, attendees also participated in a friendly tent competition that has grown in popularity each year. Some of the tent themes included Barbie and a Tiki Trap House, which had three tents.
Family and Friends Fest is living up to its mission of providing a safe, free, and fun event for adults in Milwaukee. As the event continues to grow, Tha Guys remain adamant about putting safety first, followed immediately by fun.
“For us, let’s make sure it’s safe…we’re not chasing the money,” Vasquez said.
Taking Accountability
Even when we put our best foot forward, sometimes we can slip up. Friends of Brown Deer Park, a volunteer group that cleans and cares for the park, posted a picture showing trash and other items scattered throughout the park, left over from the 2026 Family and Friends Fest.
Instead of running away from the criticism, Vasquez spoke on behalf of Tha Guys and took accountability for the leftover trash. He stated that their team cleaned up some of the trash but could have done a better job.
“I’m big on accountability,” Vasquez said.
Vasquez said he is open to feedback and will ensure this is not a problem going forward.
“You have to be open to listening to your community if you want to build community,” Vasquez said.
Tha Guys will host a Halloween Party later this Fall, and will begin planning for next year’s Family and Friends Fest soon.
Nyesha Stone founded Carvd N Stone in 2017 to cover positive news while attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Stone has a B.A. in Journalism. She has raised over $30,000 to award grants and scholarships. She has also been featured in ESSENCE and worked with the American Black Film Festival.
- Nyesha Stone
