Concert honors arson victims

One song honored those who lost loved ones to violence.

By SEAN BARRON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

YOUNGSTOWN — Gwendolyn McCall recalled how her great-granddaughter Ranaisha Crawford, 8, loved music and danced for her on occasion.

“If she were here, she’d really be enjoying this concert,” McCall said, referring to Tuesday’s four-hour musical event at the Chevrolet Centre, set up to raise funds for the Crawford and McQueen families.

Ranaisha was the type of child who would unselfishly give her siblings a gift someone gave her, recalled McCall, a nurse’s aide at Boardman Community Care Center. Ranaisha also loved her younger brother and sisters, she added.

Josephine McQueen-North, the grandmother of Jeannine Crawford, 5, Aleisha Crawford, 3, and Brandon Owens, 2, said she was grateful for the fundraiser, sponsored by the Stopping the Violence committee and Maynstream Productions. The community also has been generous to both families over the last several weeks, she added.

The four children, as well as their mother, Jennifer Crawford, 23, and grandmother Carol Crawford, 46, were killed in an arson sometime after 5 a.m. Jan. 23 when an accelerant was ignited on the porch of their home at 1645 Stewart Ave. on the city’s East Side. Michael A. Davis, 18, of 817 Bennington Ave., is charged with six counts of aggravated murder as part of a 29-count indictment.

McQueen-North remembered Carol Crawford as someone “who’d help any person, hungry or homeless.” Carol Crawford also used to prepare meals for children who came by and played with her grandchildren, McQueen-North added.

Jennifer Crawford was like a daughter to McQueen-North, she said, adding that Jennifer stayed with her for more than two years, and that the two remained in close contact after Jennifer moved.

In attendance were several dozen people who made $10 donations on behalf of the two families and listened to local acts play country, rock ’n’ roll, grunge, R&B, rap, heavy metal and progressive music. Performing 20-minute segments were K-Awake, Stopping the Violence, Captain Brashey, 2Fly and Symphony, The Zou, David Miner, Geo C. & Tha Storm, Kenny Ali, Jeff Best and Asleep.

Patricia Owens, president of Stopping the Violence, sang a song dedicated to families who have lost loved ones to violence.

Also wishing to express their gratitude toward the community and volunteers who helped put the show together were Retia Crawford, 19, and her brother Julius, 17, both of whom escaped the fire. Julius and his sister share an apartment in Youngstown.

“I want to thank everybody in the community for all their help, support and donations,” Retia added.

Wearing a T-shirt honoring his daughter Ranaisha, Antwan Lake said he wanted to “thank everyone for their support and coming together for the family.”

“Big” Jim London, one of the event’s organizers, credited RT Audio of New Castle, Pa., and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 101 of Youngstown for their work on the sound for the concert. He also praised stagehands and others who gave their time to make the event possible.