‘Not giving up on our city’: Youngstown Baptism planned

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Community leaders are taking action after a recent wave of violence in the city of Youngstown.

A city-wide baptism is happening at Northside Pool. Community religious leaders have 500 baptism certificates and hope to get them all filled.

Organizer and Youngstown Activist Darrell Jones says the violence in the city has weighed heavily on his heart and he hopes the baptism is a way for those who are lost to find a community.

“It’s senseless killings. We’ve got to reach them upside here. We’ve got to get them inside the head and the mind and understand what the value of a life is to take a life,” said Jones. “We’re not giving up on our city. We’re fighters in Youngstown. Crime is everywhere. Sometimes it can’t be stopped. It can be prevented or could be controlled but we need to come together as a community and let’s make something happen, a positive change by saving some lives.”

The baptism will be held on Saturday, July 13th, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Organizers say no pre-registration is required — just show up to the Northside Pool.

Anyone from age ten and up is welcome. There will also be refreshments and gospel music.

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