Block party brings unity

WARREN -- The residents of Ferndale Avenue SW were proud to show off their neighborhood Saturday afternoon as they hosted a block party.

The Pride & Joy Today Foundation, under the group name Resiliency Folks, billed the Summer Love Party as the "first annual" as they want it to continue. They plan to host it every Labor Day weekend so people from out of town can return home.

Thomas Stewart, named by Resiliency Folks as "Honoree of the Year," was putting the finishing touches on a basketball court for a 3-on-3 tournament. He said as their first effort, "we'll throw darts and see what sticks. No one is going to help us, so it is up to us."

Larry McMillion set up a table in his front yard for the hamburger-eating contest to see who could eat a 9-inch round patty the fastest.

"We need to get to know one another," McMillion said. "There's so much turmoil in the world and this town. We need to come together."

Pamela Stewart has lived in her house more than 20 years and agreed it is important to "bring the whole community together." Her 12-year-old granddaughter, Laren Mitchum, and Laren's friend, Mari Henderson, were selling jewelry.

Meanwhile, Chuck DeJarnett was showing off his 1965 AMC Rambler American 220. He supervised his daughter Aisley and son Michael, who were polishing the hood.

There was a bounce house and other activities for children at the end of the street, and DJ Frankie B set up in the middle so his music could be heard at both ends.

The block party committee members identified Sher-Ree Glover as the lead organizer, although she said, "We are all a team." It took a lot of work, including securing permission to be blocked off as a "Safe Streets event" as well as coordinating all the activities.

Glover said Pride & Joy Today had a trial run May 30 when they hosted a car show at Quinby Park.

While Saturday's atmosphere was festive, it was born out of tragedy. Josie Freeman lost her son Khalef to gun violence in 2019. She said because of a few houses, the neighborhood had fallen on hard times and it took a concerted effort to bring it back. Freeman said she was proud to dedicate the event to his memory.

She was running a bake sale to raise funds for next year's event.

Khalef's daughter, Kee'Shira, brought her food truck, Rolling Goodz, as did Richard Armstrong, owner of Momma's Kitchen on Wheels. Armstrong is from Youngstown, but said, "Ms. Glover reached out," so he felt he needed to be there.

Deirdre Goliday has lived in the neighborhood 53 years, and her parents had a house across the street. She was happy to see the enthusiasm and said the event was all about "bringing unity in the community."