Community leaders talk about racism and problem solving

YOUNGSTOWN

Community leaders gathered this morning at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church for a dialogue on racism that focused on reducing black infant mortality, which occurs at a rate more than double the rate for whites in Mahoning County, but they didn’t limit themselves to listening to speeches about that topic.

The 65 attendees were asked to sign an individual action pledge indicating their areas of interest and expertise and willingness to volunteer, to be trained, to join a problem solving organization or to perform independent research.

“We’re not just about talking. We’re about doing,” said Penny Wells, a dialogue organizing committee member.

Those interested in participating may call Wells at (330) 207-4467.

“One of the tragedies, really, of our society is that the youngest and the most vulnerable of all in our society - the little babies - are the ones that suffer the most,” the Rev. Edward Weisheimer, dialogue co-chair, told the audience.