Annual Nonviolence parade, rally next Sunday

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The sixth annual Nonviolence Parade and Rally will take place at 3 p.m. next Sunday.

Hosting the event are Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, the city of Youngstown, Youngstown City School District, the city’s Community Initiative to Reduce Violence, Youngstown State University’s Africana Studies Department and YSU Office of Student Diversity Programs.

The parade will kick off Ohio Nonviolence Week, which is next Sunday through Oct. 8.

The parade will begin at Wick Avenue and Wood Street and proceed downtown to the Covelli Centre on Front Street for the rally.

The parade’s purpose is to cause the community to pause and think about the need for all citizens to work for nonviolence throughout the Youngstown area.

The parade is open to all, including nonprofit organizations, youth groups, athletic teams, churches, neighborhood block watches as well as businesses and government officials.

There will be awards for the group with the best banner and the group with the best float that represents the theme of nonviolence and peace. A trophy will be given for the best overall presentation. There is no fee to participate.

Registration forms are available by emailing Penny Wells at pennywwells@sbcglobal.net, by calling 330-207-4467 or by contacting the YSU Office of Student Diversity Programs.

Participants should return registration forms to Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past, 4117 Oak Knoll Drive, Youngstown OH 44512.