YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The congregation met at Youngstown State University’s Debartolo Stadium Club for a Sunday brunch to begin Youngstown’s anniversary celebration.
It follows Youngstown Juneteenths Clean-up in the city center. The June 19th holiday recognizes those who have been enslaved in the United States.
The meeting honored those in the community who made an impression and included a speaker and an award ceremony.
“It’s kind of a prelude to this whole week in June and we wanted to celebrate people in the community who are making a positive impact on others and doing positive things to move people forward in life,” said Joncquil, Executive Director of Hope Community Services hope.
10 award winners were honored on Sunday afternoon.
“You train others. You uplift others, and that’s really important, ”said Hope.
Among those honored was Kelan Bilal, who received the Trailblazer Award for his love of community, culture and education.
“I love the community. I love building our community, building it and growing it, ”said Bilal.
Bilal’s community work includes creating a program to help literate children.
“It’s for the K-3 students. Every Monday all summer we have an event where people come out and talk and read to the students. The mayor, the councilors and so on … they will read to them and then the kids will read to us. It’s about developing literacy, ”said Bilal.
Youngstown Juneteenth will be hosting more events later this week. A full list and schedule can be found at your website.
