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Unity in Community parade grows in numbers, enthusiasm
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
YOUNGSTOWN
The sky was gray BUT brightly colored balloons tied to poles along Market Street made up for it.
And when the police siren announced the start of Warriors Inc.’s annual Unity in the Community parade Saturday, people stepped out of cars in heavy coats and got ready to watch.
Kids carried plastic bags and collected candy from the many parade participants. Cheerleaders, marching bands, and members of community organizations and businesses paraded from Midlothian Boulevard to the H.O.P.E Building at 2733 Market St.
Khalilah Donlow, of Youngstown, attends every year.
“I’m so glad it’s grown because when it first started, it wasn’t really too big, but we still came, just to support the Unity in the Community,” she said. “It grows every year. Every year it’s something different, and I’m so surprised, and I’m so happy.”
There is something different every year, her niece, Leazya Childs, 11, agreed.
Her favorite part of the parade is watching the dancers. But that changes each year, too, Leazya noted. “They wear different stuff. They do different stuff,” she said.
Michelle Alli, of Youngstown, brought her grandson, Devon Alli, 4.
Devon said he didn’t care that it was cold. Michelle said being cold was worth it to share the parade with him.
“I like it,” Michelle said. “I enjoy it.”
She attends the event every year.
Devon liked getting candy at the parade, particularly cherry-, lemon- and lemonade-flavored lollipops.
Even more than candy, though, Devon looked forward to the family-activity event immediately after the parade.
“I will jump on the bounce-around,” he shouted.
Music, bounce-arounds, information from community organizations and more was available in the parking lot of the South Side Annex, Market Street, after the parade.
“Unity in the Community is an important event, and we want to be able to do our part by letting the community know what services we have to offer,” said Jennie Andrews, YWCA program manager for youth and empowerment.
The YWCA has participated in the event in the past.
“It’s well received,” Andrews said. “It has a good turnout. And we’re able to get the word out and do our part.”
Warriors Inc., located on Market Street, is a community-building organization that offers programs for youths and adults.