Urban League observes National Night Out with super block party

 

 

By Felix Hoover

For Your News Columbus

Aug. 3, 2010

 

 

Safety revealed itself in ways that might not seem obvious during the Columbus Urban League’s block party in observance of National Night Out.

 

It showed in hula hoops, poetry and appealing, if not healthful food. Those are some of the things attendees enjoyed as participants or spectators outside Urban League headquarters on Mount Vernon Avenue and in Mayme Moore Park across the street.

 

Last year, Carla Collins of the East Side brought some children from her old neighborhood, but this year she brought her niece, Brooke Collins-Wheller, 4.

 

Collins said the gathering was a nice end-of-vacation event before children return to school and “a good thing for kids to be safe in the community.”

 

Jeannie Ransom, of the 614 Riders auto club, kept tabs on five of her grandchildren.

 

David Williams, 15, of the North Side, recently graduated from the Second Opportunities for Success program at the Urban League and thought it would be good to take part in the Night Out as a sign of appreciation.

 

One of the oft-heard complaints in the community is that teens lack enough activities to keep them occupied. Williams said that SOS kept him busy and helped him stay out of trouble

 

The community spirit at the Night Out contrasted with the violence and killings that have recently dominated local news.

 

Free food and modestly-price funnel cakes, tote bags with goodies from social-service agencies and vendors with their wares occupied some of the attendees. Others listened to poetry and music or watched other entertainers. Yet others learned about hula hoops from Jeana Gogo, romped in a bouncing area and played games.

 

“This is beautiful,“ said Greg Powell, 39, of the East Side.

 

He was pleased at the peaceful atmosphere and the respectful way is which young people interacted with adults.

 

“I hope at least two or three people get something out of it,” he said.

 

This year, communities across the country observed National Night Out on or near Aug. 3, to heighten awareness about crime and drug prevention; generate support for anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back.