Blacks urged to climb higher

Blacks urged to climb higher

YOUNGSTOWN — The program said the first lady of Youngstown was to talk about the Upward Bound program she coordinates at Youngstown State University.

Sonja Williams, wife of Mayor Jay Williams, did touch on the program as the keynote speaker at the annual Jabali African Cultural Celebration at YSU, but she also had an important message to deliver to her “African-American brothers and sisters” on an even more serious issue.

She told the gathering of about 90 people tonight that “it is time for us to take full responsibility” for the violence occurring in the black community in Youngstown.

People are allowing the actions of a younger generation to overshadow the efforts of those who died so black people could vote and be free, Williams said.

For the complete story, see Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.