Unity in Community event aims to show youth in positive light

June 5, 2016 at 12:07a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Wendy Robinson could only smile as she looked out across a football field filled with kids. After all, that’s what the day was all about.

Warriors Inc. and Eagles Christian Preschool had their 12th annual Unity In the Community parade and Community Day Celebration in the Mahoning Valley. The parade began in the Newport Glen area and ended at the old South High School Field House, where the Community Day Celebration took place.

The event is meant to provide a venue for businesses, organizations, agencies and churches to promote their services and resources. But there is another aspect.

“It’s to show our youth in a positive light,” Robinson said.

A host of those agencies had tables set up around the football field, and there were games, entertainment and food for the more than 500 people – most of them children – who attended.

Robinson said attendance would have been even higher had there not been a threat of rain in the morning.

“We had some people who were going to come, but they couldn’t because of the rain,” she said.

Still, she was thrilled to see so many families come out with their kids for a day of wholesome fun.

Warriors Inc. is a Christ-led, community-building organization that seeks to develop youths through a variety of social and economic programs, she said.

“We work with youth and help develop them into leaders. And then we bring everyone together. The young. The old. The black. The white. We show them that there is reconciliation in the collaboration of people,” she said.

Among the adults who volunteered their help Saturday was Calvin Findley, 53, of Youngstown. He’s a member of Buckeye Elks Lodge 73, which operates a youth center with basketball programs for boys and girls, a drumline team, and other programs.

“We want to be active in the community and help the kids,” Findley said. “That’s what it’s all about. Walking in the parade was a great experience. I thank God so much that I’m able to be active and to take part in things like this.”

Glenda Castro, 35, of Youngstown, attended with her 8-year-old daughter, Rowdaly. They enjoyed the fellowship and activities, but Rowdaly said she especially enjoyed playing in the “bouncy house.” They munched on hot dogs and popcorn after playtime.

Troy McCalister, 29, and Lanika Travis, 27, came from Akron because their daughter, Jada, 8, participated in the parade with her Akron-based dance school. The couple said similar events are common in Akron, and they enjoyed their time in Youngstown.

“It’s good to have everybody out to support the kids with something positive like this,” McCalister said.

The couple has another daughter, Taylor, who is almost 2.