ERNIE BROWN JR. Column on blacks, Hispanics is way overdue

It's been said that a long journey begins with the first step. Today, The Vindicator begins such a journey with a column geared toward the Mahoning Valley's black and Hispanic communities.
I have been tapped to write the column. It's my hope that my 25 years as a reporter and editor, my 48 years as a member of the black community, and my longtime friendships in the Hispanic community have prepared me for the challenge of writing about people and events that have had a favorable impact on our area.
I guess the question could be asked: Why have such a column at this time? My answer would be that now is the time, especially since we are beginning a new century that will present new challenges.
One of the challenges is how to focus on what the black and Hispanic communities continue to offer to make this Valley a desirable place to live and work.
Examples: I have seen the dedication of dancers from Harambee Youth Organization instill a sense of pride and respect in young blacks. The Give the Children a Chance youth choir sings uplifting spirituals with style and joy. The elegance, power and beauty of the Archangel Dance Theater Company have thrilled thousands here and around the world.
More success stories like those need to be told.
Youngstown also has a large Hispanic population drawn here from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba and Central America to work in the now-defunct steel mills that were the backbone of the Valley's economy for more than a century.
Positive impact: They, too, have had a positive impact in our community, yet many of their stories have gone unreported.
The primary complaint I hear from blacks and Hispanics is that the press thoroughly covers the negatives that happen in the community, but seldom, if ever, sends reporters, photographers and camera crews to do stories that show favorable aspects of community involvement.
I believe The Vindicator has made progress in this area, particularly in the black community, during my years with the paper. This column certainly won't end that beef, but it is a part of our continuing effort to enlarge our community circle.
Help me out: I will need your help on many occasions. Sometimes, the column will be a collection of my thoughts on issues. Other times, it will bring into focus the contributions of young people and those people behind the scenes who are doing, to coin a phrase from veteran local disc jockey Frankie Halfacre, a "little good in the neighborhood."
I will try not to get too political, but there will be times when I must.
Roots in community: Some of you know me and my family quite well. I grew up on the city's East Side on South Bruce Street. I am the son of Ernest A. "Beezel" Brown Sr. and Margie Brown, and the grandson of Ina and Bill Woodbridge and Lillie and Lorenzo Curry. My brother is Mark K. Brown and my sister is LaDawn Brown Hudgins. I am a proud 1970 East High School graduate. I have been married nearly 15 years to my wife, Cherrie, and we have two children, Kevin and Erin.
Some of you know about my one-year stint as a teacher in the Youngstown schools after graduating from Ohio State University, my public relations work in past years with the United Negro College Fund, my volunteer work with March for Jesus, and my ministry work at Rising Star Baptist Church.
For those who don't know me, I hope, during the coming months, you will get a feel for what I'm about.
Certainly you will not agree with everything I write or some of the topics I cover. That's OK. I firmly believe people can disagree without being disagreeable.
My responsibilities at the paper now afford me the time to write just an occasional column. Its frequency could change over time. Let me hear from you. My e-mail address is ebrown@vindy.com, or you can write to me in care of The Vindicator, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown 44501-0780.
I believe this journey is worth taking. Let's enjoy the trip together.