5 Trumbull minority-focused groups pledge cooperation

Staff report

WARREN

Five of the best-known Trumbull County organizations that focus on the minority community announced Tuesday they are banding together to work on projects of mutual interest.

The Trumbull County Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, A. Philip Randolph Institute, Greater Warren Youngstown Urban League, and Trumbull County African American Achievers Association signed an agreement May 4, formalizing the collaboration.

Pastor Alton Merrell Sr., representing the ministerial alliance, said the group benefits from the A. Phillip Randolph Institute because it has a focus on political activities and training for work in the trades, something pastors “are not as knowledgeable about.”

Annette McCoy, president of the NAACP, said the organizations experienced some of this collaboration when various city and school officials, county officials and law enforcement came together this spring in a project called “Bridging the Gap” that attempted to help Warren citizens and the police better relate to each other.

“We’re all in the collaboration business,” said Mayor Doug Franklin, who also attended the announcement at the Alliance Community Outreach Project offices on Niles Road Southeast. “This is something God has called us to do. There is no issue more important than saving our children.”

Thomas Conley, president and CEO of the Urban League, said collaborating will help each organization do its best.

The five groups plan to meet together every other month at the ACOP Center.