A better community is speaker's topic

The speaker encouraged the audience to be voices to create a better community.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
YOUNGSTOWN -- Sonja Williams, wife of Youngstown's mayor, shared an insight into the life of John the Baptist as the theme of her talk for the Mayors' Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday at the Maronite Center, 1555 S. Meridian Road.
Mahoning Valley Association of Churches sponsored the 21st annual event, "O Give Thanks," which attracted some 270 people, including elected officials and representatives from churches and community organizations.
Williams, who was born and reared in Youngstown, is a program coordinator with Upward Bound at Youngstown State University. She is an associate minister at Calvary Ministries International.
The speaker led into her talk with what she called an "axiom from Rufus Hudson" (Youngstown councilman, D-2nd) ... "Stand tall to be seen, speak clearly to be heard and be brief to be appreciated." She did all that, and punctuated her talk with some humor as well.
What she said
Williams said John the Baptist was "born of a priest and into a state of priesthood," and this made him entitled to certain privileges, such as custom-made garments and the first fruits and grains. "But John decided to pull his camel's hair right off the rack," Williams said, and eat locust soup and wild honey. "There is a recipe for locust soup ... but will my husband try it?" she wondered aloud about a meal for her husband, Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams, who was in attendance.
She also noted that John, a cousin of Jesus, might make an interesting story for the "Jewish Journal" and the reporter might inquire of him, "Who are you? Are you in service to the Messiah? What position do you hold?"
Williams said John would have responded, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness."
Youngstown's plight
That's when Williams' talk veered from Biblical to modern times. She noted that Youngstown has experienced a population decline since the 1990s that has led to a smaller tax and revenue base, has an unemployment rate twice the national average and its school district is in academic watch and fiscal emergency. "All of the factors are creating a wilderness," she said. "What will we do with our voice?" she asked the audience.
"We lift leaders so high ... as the catalyst for change," Williams said, but noted that the "many voices must become one in our community."
"Set aside race, religion and self-serving agendas," she urged, and "create a better community."
"We can improve the quality of life for generations to follow. It's an action, not just lip service," she said. "Be the voice," she encouraged the audience, and be active in the community.
Who participated
The ecumenical event featured participation by the Rev. Joseph Fata, pastor of St. Luke Church and co-chair of the clergy caucus in ACTION; Dr. D. Larry Kline, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church; and Saeeda Ghani, president of the Islamic Society of Greater Youngstown. Readings were presented by Katie Einzig, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation; the Rev. Ed Noga, pastor of St. Patrick Church, Youngstown; and Walid Abuasi, Islamic Society. Dr. Christopher Bache also offered a Buddhist reading.
The Rayen School vocal ensemble, directed by Mark Halls, entertained.