Speakers urge proactive stances

People need to step up and help the community or step aside, one speaker said.
By LINDA LINONIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
WARREN -- Ten people "stepped up" and spoke on variations of the theme, "Black Ribbon Campaign Step Up '05," during a rally Saturday at Courthouse Square gazebo.
The event, which attracted a small but enthusiastic crowd, was held in support of economic development in the black community.
Sponsors were Warren Urban Minority Alcohol and Drug Abuse Outreach Program, the Black Men's Collective and Circle for Recovery Ohio.
Speakers were:
UBeverly J. Pollard, executive director of the Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program of Warren Inc. "Each person ... you, I, we .. must step up. We know what's right, fair and honest. We have to do what's right for ourselves and overall," she said.
Pollard acknowledged that sometimes it "isn't easy" to do the right thing as individuals or collectively, but that doing so leads to success.
UKortnee Price, a sophomore at Warren G. Harding High School, said, "Young people look to elders for guidance and teaching." Kortnee asked that if "someone is in need, make an effort."
"I don't want to be 55 and be saying 'I should have, could have, would have,'" she said, and requested help from adults to prevent young people from struggling.
UJaMichael Anderson, junior at Harding and a student athlete, asked, "Are sports and entertainment the only way out?" He answered himself by saying there are other things available but they take "sitting at a desk, not the corner."
"Some youth feel like they have no hope but they need to get off the corner and back to school. They need to take a step and think about their future," he said.
UBrother Kay, a talk-show host at WRBP, WGFT and WASN radio stations, said one solution is with family: "My mother used to take me to meetings, political forums, cultural events. It's important."
"We have to change the way we think. It's against our own interest to think backward, and how we think dictates how we behave," he said.
His message focused on supporting black-owned businesses and networking with black businesses to improve the community. "We have to come together in unified fashion," he said.
UMadonna Chism-Pinkard, community relations director at WFMJ-TV 21, said she appreciated things she learned from her father, who attended Fargo Agriculture School for Colored Children. The ideas, which deal with being self-sustaining, include observing intelligently, creating an active and reflective mind and getting in the habit of doing your own thinking.
UThe Rev. Gerald Morgan of Hoyt Street Church of God in Christ and member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, encouraged other pastors to urge their members to "attend community events" and be a part of the city. "We have to come together and make things happen," he said. "We want to make it possible for our children to stay in Warren, and so they have something to stay for."
UDr. Victor Wan-Tatah, professor of philosophy and religious studies at Youngstown State University. His message included the support of black-owned businesses and facing up to problems including domestic abuse. "Come out of your shells and use intelligence to help people who are struggling," he advised. He also invited the audience to attend events at YSU.
UKevin Stringer, president of the Corry Stringer Community Fund, concentrated on the "step up" theme. "Step up and do something together to make a difference," he said. "We need to wake up and address problems ... like apathy," Stringer said. "Stand up to indifference and injustice. Stand up and own up to what you are doing and whether it contributes or detracts," Stringer said.
"Wise up and educate yourself and others. Share what you know," he continued. He concluded with "step up, or step aside."
UWil Harris, chairman of the Black Men's Collective and coordinator for Recovery Ohio, which helps former prisoners readjust to society. "There is no sense of urgency about fixing Warren schools in academic watch and Youngstown schools in academic emergency," he said. "People must take a leadership role," he said.
UDwight Smith of Aiming High Kids Experience of UMADAOP. He advised young people to "aim high, not get high." He introduced members of the children's group, who each gave an inspirational message about "stepping up."