CANTON ‑ Living among us are giants but not the Jack in the Beanstalk kind.
Hate, violence, poor mental health, inadequate housing, lack of respect and integrity, and miseducation are monsters that can spread like massive vines.
They are not easily seen or defeated. It takes effort, education, prayer, and a conviction to foster peace in one’s self or in their community to overcome these giants.
That was the overriding message delivered by multiple speakers at Monday’s 48th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration at the Edward “Peel’ Coleman Center in Canton. The Leila Green Alliance of Black School Educators hosted the free event. It is the oldest such celebration in the state, starting in the 1970s.
‘Black Lives Belong:’Canton native showcases art of Obama, LeBron, Martin Luther King Jr.
Black history:A snapshot of history: Rare color photos show 1968 Freedom Train in Memphis
The last two celebrations were held virtually due to COVID-19 and a snowstorm. This was first time since 2020 it was held in person.
More than 250 people, including lawmakers and city officials, attended. There was singing, speeches and a pre-celebration exhibition in the community room.
Elder Patty Stokes Williams, a pastor at Union Baptist Church in Canton, was the main speaker. The 69-year-old widow and great grandmother talked about the giants.
Stokes Williams, describing these monsters, did so under the umbrella of an overarching theme, “Stop the Hate. Stop the Violence.”
“God has a purpose for each and everyone of us. We have a call. Whether we chose to accept that call or not, we all have a purpose,” she said.
She added: “We have to deal with the giants. There are many giants in the land. First of all, there must be peace in our own home. I advise that you pray over your home.”
Another issue, homelessness, has agencies and churches that help but Stokes Williams said more can be done.
She said mental health issues have worsened and no one is immune to them.
“All of us have some issues up here whether we want to admit it or not,” Stokes Williams said. “It’s no joke.”
For example, she said many people who lost loved ones to COVID-19 never got to properly mourn their loss. “They didn’t get to say goodbye.”
Education helps diminish hate
Jeffrey Talbert, superintendent of Canton City Schools District, preceded Stokes Williams. He said a good education can help diminish hate and violence.
Hate and violence, Talbert said, are often the results of ignorance and misunderstandings.
“When we educate our students about our differences and our commonalities, … we help increase their sense of community,” he said.
‘Did you vote?’
Former state Rep. Thomas West, a mayoral candidate, followed Talbert. He was asked to talk about the importance of voting, and getting others registered.
“Did you vote?” he asked.
Many of those in attendance responded in the affirmative, but West said it is important that more people register to vote and become involved.
For example, he called the new Ohio law requiring photo IDs at polls “one of the most restrictive voting laws. If we are not careful, they will take our rights back to 1957.”
West told people to register to vote, go the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles and get a free photo ID. Then he said: “Take your kids to the polls,” and show them the importance of voting.
“Put it on social media,” he said.
Stokes Williams said many of these giants can be tamed if people look out for each other, and make sure the people in their lives and community are OK.
Awards were given out
The following individuals and organizations received community service awards:
- Hammer & Nails Ministries
- Kim Brown, member of the Canton City School Board of Education
- Mr C’s Mastery Cutting Barbershop
- Rev. George Lancaster, a school community worker at the Hartford STEAMM and senior pastor at Zion’s Temple Church of God in Canton
Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com
Follow on Twitter @bduerREP
