TORRANCE, Calif., May 4, 2017 – The Toyota Green Initiative will once again take center stage as hot music, hip art, and eco-consciousness collide at the third annual Broccoli City Festival in Washington, D.C. The festival, which got a humble start as a platform to promote sustainability and Earth Day in the historic Congress Heights Neighborhood, has evolved into a high energy, who’s who, gathering of urban Millennials from around the world.
Working to “redefine the cool” towards people being active and engaged participants in their community, festival organizers use Broccoli City to create a culture that celebrates and rewards individuals who are doing the work to make their communities healthier. The Toyota Green Initiative (TGI), developed by Toyota in 2008, has been a catalyst for promoting sustainability and community service across the country, so the continued partnership between the two brands has created a unique synergy to empower young African-Americans to be changemakers and good stewards.
While headliners like Solange and Rae Sremmurd are set to perform during a powerhouse concert lineup on Saturday, May 6th, the Broccoli City Festival experience will already be in high gear with a week-long schedule of events including a 5k run, speaker conference, and volunteer activities.
TGI kicked off the week with a day of service at Dreaming Out Loud organic garden on Wednesday, May 3rd, where volunteers will build raised garden beds, install soil, and plant seedlings for the upcoming harvest. Toyota’s National Manager of Brand, Multicultural & Crossline Marketing Strategy, Mia Phillips, will discuss corporate America’s role in addressing complex social challenges as a featured panelist during the first Broccoli Con, a two-day conference happening May 4th and 5th for those who “strive to create a better world.”
Sustainability and healthy lifestyle experts known as the TGI Coalition will also be on-hand to promote environmentally responsible solutions for better living, including D.C.’s own Jerri Evans, founder of Turning Natural Juice Bar. While festival-goers roam artist installations, shop local fashion and beauty finds, and take-in a back to back showcase of hip-hop and soul music, the TGI footprint will be available with ride and drive opportunities and demonstrations throughout the day on Saturday.
“We know we are making connections that count when we engage with the audience at the Broccoli City Festival. These are young people who are the faces of progress in our communities, and Toyota is proud to support them through this unique event,” says Phillips. “It’s a good time for a good purpose.”