Local Phoenix artists and creatives have seen their livelihoods and passion stifled by the current management of First Friday events on Roosevelt Row. Once a vibrant, safe, and family-friendly celebration of art and community, First Friday has devolved into a disorganized and unsafe gathering, alienating the very people it was designed to highlight—our local artists and creatives. The lack of communication and inadequate logistical support has forced many to abandon participation, stripping the event of its original charm and purpose.

Despite continuous efforts to engage with the Board of Roosevelt Row CDC about these pressing issues, there has been little to no tangible change. Instead of being a conduit for community engagement and artistic display, the event has turned chaotic, which not only threatens the security of attendees but also undermines Phoenix's rich cultural identity. The current director's failure to adequately support vendors and uphold the event's safety and organizational standards has been glaring.

We are calling for a change in leadership. A new director should be appointed—someone who not only has a profound respect for and understanding of the Roosevelt culture but also possesses substantial experience in organizing similar vendor events. The ideal candidate would come from within the community, thus intimately aware of both its needs and its unique artistic voices.

Phoenix's First Friday should once again be a beacon of local creativity and cultural pride. This petition aims to gather support for this necessary leadership change and to refocus the vision of First Friday to honor and uplift our local talented artists and vendors.

Join us in this crucial endeavor to restore First Friday to its rightful place as a celebrated and safe occasion for our Phoenix community. Sign this petition, and help us reestablish First Friday as the inclusive and vibrant celebration it is meant to be.