<div>The <a href="https://www.unityblockparty.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Unity Block Party</strong></a> is back in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah—and this year, it means even more.
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<div>What began in 2020 as the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHnj8JZEkIE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Say Their Names Memorial</strong></a> , a grassroots gathering that started on a small corner in Salt Lake City, has grown into one of Utah’s most anticipated cultural events: a three-day celebration of creativity, community, and economic empowerment. From film, live music and art to local vendors and powerful conversations, the Unity Block Party has always been about more than entertainment—it’s about building a future where every voice, every culture, and every dream has a place.
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<div><strong><em>But this year is different.</em></strong>
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<div>In a year marked by federal funding cuts and corporate retreat, we’re doubling down—not backing down. Powered by people, not institutions, the Unity Block Party uplifts Utah’s creative economy while investing in the future. Proceeds fuel year-round operations, sustain this annual fundraiser, and seed the development of a new hub for under-resourced founders, creative professionals, and entrepreneurs.
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<div><strong>Meet the Founder</strong>
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<div>South Florida native and Haitian-American entrepreneur <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelda-george/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Michelda G Castro</strong></a> founded her creative agency, <a href="https://www.versatileimage.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Versatile Image</strong></a>, in 2013. In 2021—following the George Floyd movement—she transformed it into a Utah-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit to drive social impact by bridging creativity, community, and economic empowerment.
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<div>With nearly a decade of experience in financial services and economic development—including managing a $69 million federal loan fund for underrepresented founders—Michelda brings both lived experience and professional expertise to this work. Her leadership has been recognized both locally and nationally, most recently in <a href="https://www.pbs.org/video/unity-block-party-a-celebration-of-culture-and-community-oal6fn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>PBS Utah</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.sheenmagazine.com/from-fort-lauderdale-to-utah-how-michelda-built-the-states-boldest-celebration-of-black-art-and-community/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Sheen Magazine</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.abc4.com/gtu/the-unity-block-party-a-celebration-of-black-joy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Good Things Utah</strong></a>, <a href="https://travelnoire.com/utah-unity-block-party" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Travel Noire</strong></a> , <a href="https://inclubmagazine.com/durand-bernarr-headlines-michelda-g-castros-black-street-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>InClub Magazine</strong></a> , <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC3QiAMoTxM" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>KUTV 2News</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasminebrowley/2025/08/25/350000-black-women-were-ousted-from-the-workforce-for-millennials-where-are-they-going-next/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Forbes</strong></a>, and even a cover story in <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michelda-george_utahbusinessmagazine-activity-7171907612190359552-a33n?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop&amp;rcm=ACoAABMJerQBvKbUb3HNsiJkB8Phc7BvH5vnh7M" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Utah Business Magazine</strong></a>, one of the state’s most prominent publications.
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<div>In April, Michelda was laid off due to shifts in diversity, equity, and inclusion policy, but instead of stepping back, she chose to lean fully into this work. Starting this September, she will join the prestigious <a href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/community-impact/one-million-black-women" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Program</strong></a>, further equipping her to scale impact and build the long-term infrastructure Utah’s creative community deserves.
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<div>The Unity Block Party is not just her vision—it’s her calling: to create opportunities, visibility, and sustainable pathways for underrepresented creatives and entrepreneurs.
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<div><strong>Why Your Support Matters</strong>
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<div>The Unity Block Party isn’t just a festival—it’s a catalyst for economic growth. Your support drives measurable impact across Utah’s creative and entrepreneurial landscape:
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<li><strong>Empower startups and small businesses to thrive. </strong>Black entrepreneurs and creatives in Utah are launching ventures at growing rates, yet still face barriers to capital and resources. Your contribution helps bridge that gap.
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<li><strong>Foster economic growth in under-resourced communities. </strong>Reports show Utah’s Black population is steadily growing, strengthening the region’s cultural and economic fabric. Supporting this work ensures that growth translates into opportunity.
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<li><strong>Enhance Salt Lake City as a hub for a diverse, high-value workforce and entrepreneurship.</strong> By investing in underrepresented founders and creatives, we build pathways that attract and retain diverse talent—fueling innovation and long-term competitiveness for the city and state.
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<li><strong>Champion Black-led arts and culture.</strong> As a nonprofit, we contribute to Salt Lake City’s $512.1 million arts and culture economy, ensuring Black voices, stories, and creativity are represented in this thriving sector.
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<div>By donating, you’re not only helping keep the lights on for an incredible three-day experience. You’re seeding long-term change. You’re helping build the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive creative economy in Utah.
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<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>
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<li><strong>Donate what you can.</strong> Every contribution brings us closer to making this year’s event—and the hub it funds—a reality.
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<li><strong>Share this campaign.</strong> Amplify the story and invite others to join the movement.
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<li><strong>Show up.</strong> Come celebrate with us at Library Square in Salt Lake City, Utah and see firsthand the power of community in action.
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<div>This year, we’re not asking institutions to save us. We’re asking our neighbors, our friends, and our wider community to invest in a vision of unity, creativity, and economic empowerment.
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<div><strong>Together, we can show that when people come together, we don’t just make memories—we make history.</strong>
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<div>For full event details please visit: <a href="https://www.versatileimage.org/unityblockparty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.versatileimage.org/unityblockparty" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.versatileimage.org/unityblockparty</a></a>
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Crystalee Beck

Unity Block Party: A Catalyst for Change

Still $12,425 to go. Help us build momentum.