(WYTV) – This week’s Hometown Hero is a young man who is crazy about his community.
Community activist Joseph Napier Jr. says he has no plans to quit his job and hopes his community will grow and prosper for generations to come.
“Only the people who helped me along the way. I don’t think this is a one-person award, ”said Napier.
Napier will not live up to this award.
“Community Award, so you need the community to be part of it,” he said.
Napier grew up in Youngstown and wants to see it grow.
“One thing I think our city needs is resilience. Maybe it’s with a t-shirt, a reminder of the past, but I think our most important resource is we each other, through relationships. When we have relationships, we can build the community resilience our community needs, ”said Napier.
One compound he says was an important part of his life was the Eugenia Atkinson Recreation Center in Youngstown. He chose this place as the place where he wanted to receive his award.
“She’s just a visionary in my eyes, and as far as picking up the torch goes, this is the perfect place to do it,” said Napier.
He’s already leading the way in his community by organizing events that bring the city together, such as young professionals from color get-togethers, networking and chill events, 15th anniversary celebrations.
“But as for my generation and the people to come, I think if we can have a mindset that we love this community and we want to put down roots here, then let’s do it together. That’s the mission, ”said Napier.
He says he’s just so grateful and humble.
“This is for Youngstown. This is for the south side and, more importantly, it’s about the visionaries who will be behind me, ”said Napier. “It’s about planting these seeds, so thank you.”
This is not the first time Napier has been recognized for its community service. He was also awarded the Emerging Leader Justice and Equality Award, recognized by the City of Youngstown for his COVID-19 relief efforts.
