Block party participants seek to stop violence

YOUNGSTOWN — A few blocks up from the parking lots crowded with football fans on their way to the Youngstown State game Saturday afternoon, a smaller group gathered.

The fans were looking forward to a hard-hitting contest. Violent, but controlled. Someone could get hurt. But it’s just a game.

The group that gathered in the street next to Wick Park also knows violence. It’s hard-hitting for them too, but it’s out of control. People are getting hurt and dying. It’s no game. And they want it to stop.

With music and free food and school supplies, the Stopping the Violence Committee hoped to attract teenagers to a back-to-school community block party. It began at noon and was to continue until 9 p.m., though by 3:30 p.m. there weren’t too many teenagers around.

Sean Hall, president of Youngstown Night Riders, stood on the curb and watched as the Ohio Valley Crusaders pee wee football team and cheerleaders, dressed in cheerful purple, danced in the street to DJ Stan the Man’s music.

“These little ones here, they’re young yet,” he said — “it’s easier to teach them.”

For more, see Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com