We are facing significant challenges with the Chicago Park District, as reported by Chicago News Weekly. Lional "Brother El" Freeman, organizer of Sandbox Symphony, has been in a battle over a sudden $40,000 "beach impact fee" that was never mentioned in previous applications. This unexpected fee, introduced earlier this year, forced us to cancel the 2023 event, which usually draws over 500 attendees to Oakwood Beach.

Despite our alignment with the Park District’s mission and continued community support, it feels like events like Sandbox Symphony are being pushed out of public spaces. We continue to advocate for equity in event permitting, not just for ourselves but for all Black cultural events in Chicago. Read the full article for more details: Chicago News Weekly.

Let’s keep up the fight to #SaveSandboxSymphony and make sure the city listens to its community.