YOUNGSTOWN Speaker stirs people to get involved against violence
People need to look out for the children in their neighborhoods, Yvonne Pointer-Triplett says.
By ROGER G. SMITH
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Yvonne Pointer-Triplett looked into her murdered daughter Gloria's coffin in 1984 and vowed that her death wouldn't be in vain.
Pointer-Triplett, of Cleveland, admits she didn't really know what she meant by that.
The first thing she thought of was writing letters to high-profile people. She wanted to raise awareness about violence against children. No celebrities took up her cause, however, so she started talking about the issue and making appearances herself.
Since then, Pointer-Triplett is among those who have made the issue high-profile, from pushing her cause on Oprah Winfrey's show and in Ebony magazine to receiving FBI and presidential honors.
"I was the person. I was looking for myself. I just didn't know it at the time," she said.
Banquet speech
Pointer-Triplett will bring her message to Youngstown later this month: Get involved to protect children from violence.
The advocate, author and speaker gives the keynote speech at the Mayor's Task Force on Crime and Violence Prevention's annual banquet Oct. 21 at the Youngstown Club downtown. The group's 2002 Peace Awards will be given that night.
The recent spate of high-profile child abductions and slayings is only the latest reminder that society needs to look out for kids, Pointer-Triplett said.
She implores people to return to the days when neighbors looked after children in their neighborhoods. All it takes is willingness, not any particular talent, she said.
"Just do something," Pointer-Triplett said. "It's past time to get involved. We have to go back to the old-time ways."
Pointer-Triplett knows through her daughter's rape and death what can happen when people choose not to get involved.
A witness heard a noise next door and saw somebody climb a fence. The witness called the building owner but chose not to get involved otherwise. The building owner arrived later. The first thing the owner saw was her daughter's lifeless body.
Police never solved the case but think the man climbing the fence was the killer.
Actions and commendations
Pointer-Triplett calls herself a typical mom who took it upon herself to pay more attention to kids and violence.
She started Cleveland's Midnight Basketball program and was named a Point of Light by the first Bush administration. She has received a slew of local awards and been inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame. Last year, she received an Essence Award from the black women's magazine.
"I just wanted to stop the violence," she said. "It exploded into a life of its own."
She praised the task force in Youngstown for its work in raising the profile of violence prevention.
The Rev. Alfred Coward, task force chairman, said his group tries to be an agent of change. Sometimes it's good to hear from somebody unconnected with the city to reinforce that such action is necessary, he said.
Banquet proceeds go to the Help Hotline Crisis Center.
Tickets are $20 and available through Sunday at the mayor's office in city hall or by calling Pam Washington at Help Hotline at (330) 747-5111 or the Rev. Mr. Coward at (330) 747-4445.
rgsmith@vindy.com