Oh, what a day at Yonkers Riverfest 2024! This time, I wasn’t just out there stuffing my face and soaking in the vibes. Nope, I was right in the thick of it, bringing the community together in the best way I know how—Double Dutch!

Let me tell you, Double Dutch is more than just a game. It’s a multicultural, multigenerational tool that tears down walls and brings out the inner child in everyone. There’s something magical about watching people jump, seeing the joy on their faces as their loved ones cheer them on from the sidelines. It didn’t matter who they were—young or seasoned, male or female, all different ethnicities coming together for one reason: a good time! 

As a young Black girl growing up, I could walk into any neighborhood and instantly make friends with two ropes in hand. That’s the beauty of Double Dutch—it’s universal. I’ve always been a Double Dutch head, and I keep a rope in my trunk for emergencies! If I see a game, I’m pulling over and offering to turn, because real jumpers know—you earn your jump by turning! After I jump, people always want me to stick around, and believe me, I do!

I started learning to jump as early as 7 or 8 years old, and by the time I hit 10, I was a beast on the pavement. By 12, Ms. Jovita Nedd (Simons) had formed us into a full-fledged Double Dutch team, and honey, you couldn’t tell us NOTHING! My passion for Double Dutch was my outlet, my joy, and my connection to community. Now, I want to bring that same passion, teamwork, and sportsmanship to the next generation. It’s time to put down the phones, game controllers, and distractions, and get these kids back outside—jumping, laughing, and connecting with one another.

All Access Yonkers is beyond grateful for the opportunity to bring that old-school community spirit back to life. We can’t thank you enough for embracing it! And to everyone who took on the challenge and dared to jump—thank you! Special shoutout to our straight rope champion with an impressive 92 jumps! She’s coming back next year to defend her title, so watch out!

So many of you wanted more, and trust me, we’re working on it! We’ll be finding more ways to get the ropes turning, the kids jumping, and the community engaged. Rita Johnson Ballard, we’re on assignment! Big love to Linda Carter Wright, CE LC Diane Nicholas, Cassandra Smith, and Linda Robinson for hanging out and helping—you ladies are the BEST!

Stay tuned for more from us at All Access Yonkers—we’ve got plenty of exciting things in the works. And remember, this isn’t just about Double Dutch—it’s about restoring that old-school community love.