Amidst a particularly stressful Back to School season during the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Women of Excellence hosted a fun way for local families to roll into the new academic year.

On Saturday, Aug. 22, from 7-10 p.m. the nonprofit held a free Back to School Skate Night at Bell's Skating Rink in New Haven. The event was sponsored by Sistarz & Sistarz Nonprofit Organization and Ladies Building Together.

Throughout the pandemic and even before, many of these nonprofits have been dedicated to advancing and serving the Southeast community, with events like curbside food pickups and COVID-19 supply distributions.

Here are a few photos from an evening of food, fun, music, and laughter.