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Webb credits unsung heroes in city schools
YOUNGSTOWN
The word “Jabali” means “the rock” in Swahili.
In the world of Wendy Webb, the retiring superintendent of the Youngs-town city schools, the rock means the unsung heroes who have volunteered their time, talents and funds to help the schools.
“They don’t get the credit,” she said.
Webb gave the keynote speech Friday at the 11th annual Jabali African Cultural Celebration in the Chestnut Room in Kilcawley Center at Youngstown State University.
Her talk focused on the people who helped support school levies as well as the children.
That help also comes from the children’s families and the community, she added.
As the children are going out the door to school, Webb said, “It’s about [people] going out on the porch and saying, ‘Have a good day.’ It’s about walking to school and saying, ‘You can do it.’”
She added, “It’s also about helping after a fire and deciding who will get a sweater or a coat. People come together and find clothing. Businesses give away gift certificates after fires.”
Webb said, “It’s the unsung heroes in the district that have held it together.”
Schools, urban church congregations, businesses, and food pantries have helped the district and the community.
“People walk in and say, ‘I want to help,’”
Webb said. “There is a lot of collaboration.”
She estimated there are 75 people who are constantly volunteering in the district to help make it better.