78 groups take part in bringing Youngstown together at Unity parade
By Sean Barron
YOUNGSTOWN
When Debra Ingram, Kendoll Kirk and Joyce Alexander performed a few slow dance moves, twirled their light-blue flags and pointed them skyward, it was more than a display of graceful choreography.
The synchronized moves also were rich in symbolism.
“We’re trying to set the atmosphere with the flags to show the presence of God, bring the community together and pray for our city,” said Ingram, a licensed practical nurse who also founded the Kingdomites Biblical Dance Academy, a school dance group. “We’re [also] not going to stand for violence and have the city be a place of crime.”
Ingram’s desire to have people stand in solidarity with one another and her wish to see continued healing and prosperity in Youngstown were driving forces behind her participation in Saturday’s 11th annual Unity in the Community parade.
Sponsoring the gathering was Warriors Inc., a nonprofit organization that offers financial literacy, mentoring, youth leadership training and a host of other programs aimed at developing young people and helping them succeed.
An estimated 78 Mahoning County groups registered to participate in the 1.5-mile parade, which went from the Newport branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, 3730 Market St., to the former South High School Fieldhouse off Market, noted Wendy Robinson, organizer.
“Warriors connects the resources with the people and the people with the resources. We hope the kids get to a positive place with positive people they can connect with to do positive things this summer and throughout the year,” Robinson said in outlining the parade’s main purpose.
Ingram, who attends Touch Heaven Canfield Church in Canfield, explained that the flags’ color represents the “refreshing” spirit and presence of God.
Other parade participants included Home for Good Re-Entry Resource Referral Center, the Black Diamond Book Club, TRiO Educational Opportunity Centers, Youngstown Academy of Excellence, Eagle Christian Preschool & Child Care Center and more than 20 children and adults with the St. James Church of God in Christ’s Youth Department.
Too many people have gotten away from living Christ-centered lives, and maintaining political correctness too often has usurped the importance of exercising religious freedoms, observed Yuvonka McKinney, St. James’ youth minister.
“The church was the strength of the community back in the day,” she remembered. “Whatever happened to common compassion and the Golden Rule?”
McKinney added that it “takes a big person” simply to walk away from a bad situation and avoid violence.
Having been part of the youth group influenced 23-year-old Desiree Fitzgerald’s decision to attend Kent State University, where she’s majoring in computer technology.
“I began with the mime team. We all grew up in it,” recalled Fitzgerald, of Boardman, an assistant youth leader who joined the program at age 11.
Fitzgerald said she appreciates the larger role St. James Youth Ministries has played in her life, including bringing her closer to God and expanding her church family.
Attendees also enjoyed refreshments, lots of camaraderie and entertainment from groups such as the East High School cheerleading squad.
Boardman-based Evergreen Seventh Day Adventist Church had on hand several pamphlets and booklets on quitting smoking, overcoming alcohol addictions, maintaining a healthful diet and managing diabetes. Also available was information on health-care plans.
For more information, call Robinson at 330-783-5440.