By Associated Black Charities
August 25, 2025 – Baltimore, MD: Associated Black Charities is proud to announce the highly anticipated return of its signature celebration, The Cookout, taking place on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, from 10 am to 4:30 pm at The Village of Cross Keys. This year’s event is presented by SECU, a strong champion for equity and economic empowerment in Maryland communities. Back and bolder than ever, this annual celebration of Black culture, legacy, and unity continues to uplift, empower, and inspire our communities.
This year, The Cookout will be hosted by Persia Nicole with the soundtrack of the day delivered by DJ Tanz, bringing energy, rhythm, and soul to the celebration. From the moment the day begins, expect a full experience that honors tradition while embracing the future.
The Cookout is free to attend and open to all ages and SECU will be funding new accounts on-site. Guests will enjoy a powerful movement march and rally, engaging community resources, fun and creative children’s activities, and competitive game tournaments that spark friendly intergenerational fun. The event also features live entertainment, a showcase of Black-owned businesses, interactive exhibits, food trucks and plenty of giveaways, joy and connection.
“The Cookout is where our culture, joy, and justice all come together,” says Chrissy M. Thornton, president and CEO of Associated Black Charities. “This is more than just a day of celebration – it’s a visible, vibrant demonstration of what equity looks like when it’s rooted in community power and shared purpose.”
Mark your calendar and bring the whole family for a day filled with culture, community, and a celebration of resilience. The Cookout 2025 is more than just an event – it’s a movement grounded in heritage, built on unity, and powered by the people.
For more information about The Cookout and how to get involved, please contact Bernard Sims at bsims@associatedblackcharities.org.
About Associated Black Charities Founded in 1985, Associated Black Charities is committed to addressing and dismantling the obstacles created by structural racism. Through education, advocacy, support, and convening, ABC works to eliminate barriers and foster long-term solutions that create new opportunities for Black people to thrive. The organization’s focus spans the racial wealth gap, workplace discrimination, health inequities, housing disparities, educational inequality, and criminal justice reform. ABC leverages an equity framework to lead efforts in ending race-based obstacles and fostering success for Black communities. For more information, visit associatedblackcharities.org.
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