Summer's last Increase the Peace event today shows youth 'someone cares'

YOUNGSTOWN

Vernisha Tucker continues to mourn the loss of her son, Tywan D. Tillis, who was 29 when he was shot to death May 4, 2004, in a car near Overland and Willis avenues on the South Side.

“You can get through it, but you never get over it,” she said about the pain associated with such a tragedy.

On the other hand, it warms her heart to see efforts aimed at bringing neighbors and the community closer together that also help young people more fully realize that they’re valued and loved.

Tucker, a member of We Walk by Faith Bible Church on the East Side, was among those of all ages who attended Saturday’s Increase the Peace rally at Beulah Baptist Church, 570 Sherwood Ave., on the South Side.

The free, two-hour event was the last of 13 such gatherings this summer throughout the city that offered messages of hope and peace to many city residents. Also provided were resources to those in need of various services.

Sponsoring the rally were the Jericho Project, the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence organization and NOW Youngstown, a Christian-based group that patterns itself after a passage in 2 Corinthians that talks about God’s willingness to save those who seek him.

In addition, Saturday’s peace rally featured plenty of food, games and activities for children and entertainment that included gospel music and a mime group’s performance.

Annette Pack, another Beulah Baptist Church member, said many children have to “make their own decisions minute-by-minute." “This event shows that someone cares.”

Read more about the event in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.