A block party and school supplies giveaway is set for Aug. 13 on South Street.

The event will begin at 7 p.m., organizer Derrick Wince said.

The Revs. John Carroll and Michael Wesley of Jackson Street M.B. Church, along with ministers and youth leaders from Jackson Street and King Solomon M.B. churches will speak about the importance of school, good behavior and obeying the law, Wince said. 

South Street will be blocked off from Farmer to Second North, and tunes from DJ Doctor Feel Good will be played while backpacks, notebook paper, pencils and other school supplies donated by local businesses are given away. Area barbers will provide free back-to-school haircuts, Wince said.

Wince came up with the idea for the back-to-school block party after witnessing two teens breaking into his car. They told him they were looking for change.

In light of the downward spiral of the economy, Wince said, “I had to do something.”

Wince hopes to make the party an annual event.