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WARREN -- Both local and national African Americans who made contributions to their communities were celebrated at the fourth annual three-day Black History Program hosted by the Trumbull County NAACP.
With the theme "Celebrating our Roots," the event featured music from the Howard Family Band, vendors, historical displays by Jennie Price, a marketplace and panel discussions on health, economic development and social issues.
Annette McCoy, president of the Warren-Trumbull County NAACP, said the event was to help bring issues to attention of the community such as fighting injustice, being healthy and learning from those who made accomplishments.
The historical displays were coordinated by Price, who had about 100 panels of African Americans and their achievements displayed in a large room at TCAP, where the event was held.
"The purpose and focus is to educate our community on the achievements of not only well-known African Americans, but we have some local people, too," McCoy said.
In addition to Barack Obama, Rosa Parks and Michael Jackson on the national level, there also was contributions to local heroes, such as Pastor Roger Fowlis, a former NAACP president.
"We want to showcase the unity of our community. And have panel discussions about health issues, and to get out the vote because voting can change 98 percent of the issues in our community," McCoy said.
Price said she started the panels a few years ago for New Freedom Missionary Baptist Church and for the children and "to the glory of God."
McCoy, along with other local officials, including Thomas Conley, president of the Greater Warren Youngstown Urban League, discussed issues that affect residents of the local community.
Conley helped bring the Justice Department's oversight and training for Warren police officers. The training helped end illegal strip and body cavity searches, and other activities not allowed by law.
McCoy said with the primary election and general election this year, she advised voters to "educate yourselves, and make sure you vote in the upcoming elections.
"We can't say who to vote for, but to make better decisions and choices, looking at the facts and data versus looking at the commercial advertisement. Do your homework. That's my philosophy: Do your homework on any candidate that you will cast a vote for," she said.
Also during the festivities, Dr. Kimberly Jackson Penn, the wellness chairwoman for the NAACP and family physician, discussed health issues and nutrition
Warren resident Andrea Taylor said the event was very informative of educating people including the panel discussions.
Warren resident Leroy McKinzie said he is a member of NAACP and attended the event to meet with vendors about taking part this summer at the Juneteenth celebration in Warren.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com