Warriors enriches lives of area youths

YOUNGSTOWN — Brandon Williams enjoys playing chess, but his experience with Warriors Inc. has given him a lot more than practice for checkmating his opponent.

“My mom wanted me in the program, and it’s helping me make better decisions in life,” the 15-year-old Campbell Memorial High School ninth-grader said.

Being part of Warriors Inc. has influenced Brandon’s decisions to attend college and play football. It’s also given him a greater ability to appreciate consequences of choices he makes, Brandon added.

Brandon was one of perhaps 50 youngsters and adults to attend Saturday’s Warriors of Manhood and Totally You Girl kickoff celebration at the Byzantine Center at the Grove, 3801 Shady Run Road on the city’s South Side.

Speaking at the two-hour event were Sonya Williams, wife of Mayor Jay Williams; William Blake, Youngstown State University’s director of student diversity; and Guy Burney, an entrepreneur and diversity trainer.

Warriors Inc. is an enrichment program started in 1998 that focuses on education and building leadership skills in males and females ages 9 to 25. The program also tries to be a positive outlet for young people and a positive force in the community, explained Joe McGeorge, executive director.

For the full story, read Sunday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.