The Sankofa Marketplace is a monthly outdoor event helping to spur restoration, community development and economic growth in the Lower 9th Ward.

'Back to School' is the theme for August, featuring giveaways that prepare young students to return to school in the next few weeks.

The only Public Library branch in the Lower 9th Ward, Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch, will be giving away free books for anyone who wants to quickly catch up on their summer reading before the 1st day of class. Stanley Stewart, a longstanding Lower 9th Ward custom auto service shop who has been assisting the education and career development of the older community by teaching neighbors how to service cars, will give away free raffle tickets for a select number of children to win a handmade model car and will conduct a demonstration on creating model cars.

To support the healthy eating of our community's children, Chef Coy LeBeau of the Country Club Restaurant will be serving fresh grilled shrimp and vegetables.