Warren rally to promote economic growth

Economic progress and education are inseparable, a rally spokesman said.
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A minority economic development rally will be from 1 to 3 p.m. today at the Courthouse Square gazebo.
In case of inclement weather, the rally will be moved to the Warren G. Harding High School auditorium.
The rally in support of economic development in the black community, titled the "Black Ribbon Campaign Step Up '05," is sponsored by the Warren Urban Minority Alcohol and Drug Abuse Outreach Program, the Black Men's Collective and Circle for Recovery Ohio.
"The purpose is to motivate African-Americans to be active in helping to create, or at least voicing their opinion about economic development in our community," said Wil Harris, chairman of the Black Men's Collective and coordinator for Circle for Recovery Ohio.
Circle for Recovery helps former prisoners readjust to society. UMADAOP is a drug alcohol abuse awareness and prevention program.
"You can't separate economic development and education," Harris said, noting that Warren schools are in academic watch and Youngstown schools are in academic emergency. Quality education is the key to local residents' getting jobs that pay well and to recruiting businesses to locate in the Mahoning Valley, he said.
"Our young people who are out there on the street selling drugs, we need to offer them an alternative and get them off of the street," Harris said.
Objectives
Harris said rally organizers are urging black people to support economic development in their community by patronizing black-owned businesses, in much the same way as other racial and ethnic groups support businesses run by members of their own groups.
"We're not criticizing anyone else. We're saying there's something that is successful with other communities, and we need to develop it in our own community," he explained.
One of the rally speakers, Dr. Victor Wan-Tatah, professor of philosophy and religious studies at Youngstown State University, will discuss "The Psychosis Associated with Not Supporting Black-Owned Businesses."
One factor in the timing of the rally is funding cutbacks that have affected social service organizations that serve the black community, Harris said. One of these is the Rebecca Williams Community Center, which closed recently because of funding problems. Harris said one of his goals is to see that center reopen.
Speakers will represent the Warren City Schools, the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, the Black Knights Police Association, minority social service and economic development agencies and the media.
The event is designed to focus on positive ways the community can interact with the school system, economic venues, the media and safety forces, organizers said.
milliken@vindy.com