Black leaders have hope for city's future

Most see continued improvement ahead.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The local black community has had its ups and downs since black people began arriving here 173 years ago, but some black leaders say the future looks good.
Youngstown's first black police chief, Robert Bush Jr., said programs geared toward crime reduction and image rebuilding will make life in the city better. He said the Gun Reduction and Intervention Program previously used in the city will continue, with an increased emphasis in more areas.
"Quality of life in the city is better and getting better for everyone. The crime rate is down and we are working on getting the perception of the city to show that," he said. "Anyone can live in this city without fear."
An example
As an example, Bush points to police efforts that led to the closing of a convenience store on the East Side. Bush said that closing the store stopped shootings and other criminal activity associated with it.
The approximately 195-person police department includes 35 blacks, and Bush believes there is great opportunity in the department for blacks interested in police work. He said blacks, in general, have not shown a lot of interest, but he hopes that will change.
City schools
Jacqueline Taylor, president of Youngstown City Board of Education, said attending city schools -- where the student population is 75 percent black -- will be more attractive because of programs such as the smaller-high-school initiative and the early college initiative at Youngstown State University.
There are also efforts to increase the reading level for elementary pupils and an initiative to close any achievement gaps between black and white students, Taylor said.
Longtime local civil rights advocate and former political figure McCullough Williams Jr. said the future for local blacks will be ripe for political advancement, but women will likely play the most pivotal political roles in the black community. He said a black woman would be a strong possibility for mayor of Youngstown.
"The morality and preparation for solving major issues is greater amongst African-American women than males," he said. "They have a refreshing independent approach where they will get the facts together and find a solution."
Williams said the political gains and accomplishments of the past in many cases have not been used to the best benefit of the black community. He said that will change with the involvement of more black women.
Examples
As a testament to the leadership of black women, Williams points to current Youngstown Clerk of Courts Sarah Brown-Clark and incoming Youngstown Superintendent of Schools Wendy Webb.
James E. Fortune Sr., Youngstown council president, said the city is "looking at some great changes" and the minority community will play a vital role in the future of the city. He said the city will be reaching out to the minority community to let people know of the many ways to improve the quality of life -- with opportunities for better housing and job training.
"There is no doubt about it, when people get skills and skilled jobs you have a different person on your hands and less of the problems we have seen in our city," he said.
To get out information about training programs and opportunities, Fortune said, the city will have to work through black churches. He said it is crucial that churches in the black community continue to play a vital role in the family and the lives of young people.
The Rev. Lewis Macklin III, pastor of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, said churches are becoming more and more multifaceted in dealing with the community. He said the role of the church has always been layered in the black community.
"Historically, the African-American church has always been a clearing house of information," he said. "It's not only a training ground but an information clearing house for jobs and social service advocacy. We look to the church not only for inspiration, but for information."
The church, said the Rev. Mr. Macklin, will be a continuing factor in the betterment of the black community locally and abroad.
jgoodwin@vindy.com