College Hill Corridor fun for students

An important aspect of college is getting involved within your community whether it is through a job, event or service project.
In Macon, Mercer students are fortunate to have the opportunity to attend and participate in the many local events hosted by the College Hill Alliance.
The College Hill Alliance began in 2009 as a department of Mercer with the mission to create a positive change to the physical and social aspects of the College Hill Corridor.
The location of the College Hill Corridor is a two-mile area between Mercer and Macon’s downtown business district. The Alliance was funded by a three-year, $2 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
As a part of College Hill’s mission, many events are hosted throughout the year in an attempt to connect Mercer to the community.
These events include Soapbox Derby, Big Screen Movie Nights, Mercer Village Festivals and the College Hill signature event, Second Sunday.
Second Sunday takes place the second Sunday of the month from April to October and is held in Washington Park, weather permitting.
The event is centered on live music as community members and students attend the community picnic, many bringing their lawn chairs, lunches, and pets.
College Hill hosted Second Sunday at Sunset Aug. 12 from 7-9 p.m. in the historic Washington Park featuring live music by Savannah’s KidSyc@Brandywine followed by Macon’s Floco Torres.
KidSyc@Brandywine includes members Lloyd “KidSyc” Harold, MC; Charles Hodge, Bass; Daniel Butler, lead guitar; Lane Gardner, keys; and Derrick Larry, drums.
The group is known to have a sound like The Roots, Lupe Fiasco, Jermaine Cole, Kendrick Lamar and N.E.R.D. KidSyc@Brandywine formed in early 2010 and later performed at the 2010 Savannah Urban Arts Festival.
Following KidSyc@Brandywine’s performance, Floco Torres took the stage. Kevin “Floco Torres” Williams Jr., took on the name Floco Torres in order to create a brand that would influence people to inquire before they judge, as he is an African American man with a Spanish name.
Torres has created a fan base throughout Macon as well as his hometown of Willingboro, N.J. He has won awards as an artist such as “Best Local Hip-Hop” in addition to winning the grand prize of the Gateway Project music competition last summer.
His first album is titled “Floco’s Modern Life.”
Second Sunday attracts hundreds of community members and students with all different interests, lifestyles, and music tastes, yet they all join together in this classic community event hosted by College Hill.
The monthly musical event is free to attend and usually features a cash bar, food available to purchase and various extra activities for children.
For more information about Second Sunday and College Hill, visit www.collegehillmacon.com