How a blue playground bench has inspired a group to create content for the last year

By Mare Pritchard OMAHA, Neb., – A group of young adults have found themselves at the center of internet viralness and creative events. For the last year, the group has amassed nearly 8 thousand followers and over 27 million views across multiple platforms while hosting events that range from lemonade stands to African weddings.

The Blue Bench Crew has been around for most of the members entire lives, but what started out as some neighborhood kids talking about the future has transformed into over 40 members and a year of content creation.

The mission statement for Blue Bench Crew is pinned to the group’s Instagram account. Along with the Bible verse Luke 18:17, a verse near to the hearts of all members (Photo by BlueBenchCrew)

“It’s based off the bible verse, Luke 18:17, where Jesus says, ‘thus I tell you, whoever does not inherit the kingdom of God like a little child will not enter it. Our mission is to allow for adults to come in and have a space where they can feel like they can be children again.” Said Fredy Kadjo, the group’s CEO.

Over the last year, the group has hosted private gatherings for its members as well as collaborated with student organizations like Creighton and UNO’s African Student Association to host larger events.

The Blue Bench Crew’s most viewed video is an Instagram reel mocking the DMV that has gained over 25 million views.

“We haven’t had a video with less than probably 1.9K and if you have 1.9k people in the room, that’s a lot. Watching you be funny, so I always put that into perspective. A little less of the viral aspect more on how fun we are, what we are, and just getting out image out.” Said Carnell Aflagah, the group’s president and video editor.

For both members, the future of blue bench crew differs slightly, but the overall mission remains the same. Create fun, faith-filled and substance-free content. Although they did have some crazy ideas in mind.

“It probably be something where I could like fly everybody out type of thing,” said Kadjo.

“All 42 blue bench members on a Europe Tour, no world tour and make the best eight-minute vlog ever,” said Aflagah.

The next Blue Bench Crew event is a dress to impress fashion show in collaboration with UNO’s ASA on Dec. 5^th at the Milo Bail Ballroom. You can keep up with the Blue Bench Crew by following them on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok under the username BlueBenchCrew.