Youngstown, Ohio – Following a tragic explosion that shook the city, residents came together for the 27th annual Streetscape event in an effort to beautify various areas of Youngstown. The event, organized by Youngstown CityScape, aimed to uplift the community and bring people together in the aftermath of the recent disaster.
One of the volunteers, Jayne Gregory, along with her grandchildren, Leah Arquilla, 5, and Dane Arquilla, 9, worked on adding flowers to a planter box near Youngstown State University. Together, they transformed the box with a mix of petunias, begonias, and creeping Jenny, bringing color and beauty to the city streets.
The event drew around 1,000 volunteers who weeded, mulched, and planted foliage at nearly 70 sites across Youngstown, including downtown areas, parks, and business districts. Among the volunteers were employees from Premier Bank, who dedicated their time to making a difference in their community.
In addition to the beautification efforts, a moment of silence was held to honor Akil Drake, a Chase Bank employee who lost his life in the explosion. The tragedy deeply impacted the community, but the Streetscape event provided a sense of empowerment and unity among participants.
Sharon Letson, CityScape’s executive director, initially hesitated about moving forward with the event after the explosion but was encouraged by the overwhelming support from volunteers and the community. She emphasized the importance of coming together as a community during challenging times and providing support to local businesses.
The planting efforts not only aimed to enhance the aesthetics of the city but also to show support for the downtown business community, which has faced various challenges in recent years. The event served as a symbol of resilience and solidarity, highlighting the community’s determination to overcome adversity and rebuild together.
The Streetscape event embodied the spirit of unity and resilience in the face of tragedy, showcasing the power of collective efforts to bring positive change to a community in need of healing and support. Through teamwork and dedication, residents of Youngstown demonstrated their unwavering commitment to their city’s revitalization and growth.