Lachandra Baker, a fan of Fred Rogers, organized the "Won't You Be My Neighbor" event to promote inclusivity and kindness. The event was held in conjunction with the play "Jaja’s African Hair Braiding," which focuses on West African immigrants. Baker hopes the event will encourage attendees to get to know neighbors from different lived experiences, support Black- and immigrant-owned businesses, and participate in legislation impacting the community. The play was written by Ohio State grad Jocelyn Bioh and takes its name from a fictional Harlem salon where West African immigrant braiders create masterpieces on New Yorkers' heads.