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As a result Toledo Mayor D. Michael Collins, Toledo Police
Chief William Moton, and Toledo City Council President Paula
Hicks-Hudson pledged to collaborate with TUSA to increase
resources, clarify policies and arrange accountability
meetings to decrease domestic violence and the negative
community impact.
“The issues were selected by TUSA leaders because Toledo is
the active highway for domestic violence incidents. It’s a
necessity to discuss and seek to improve services and
resources. Then the lead poisoning is our other issue. The
studies that we reviewed, demonstrate heavy doses of poison
and exposure in our communities. The impact is physical and
mental,” said TUSA member Rev. Robert Birt, D.Min, of Glass
City Church of God.
The rally opened with a prayer presented by Elder Gwendolyn
Hunt of Friendship Baptist Church, and overview of rally
ground rules and protocol by Pastor Waverly Earley of Wesley
United Methodist Church. Praise dancers physically and
verbally explained the negative impact of domestic violence
and lead exposure through interpretative movements, and a
choir sang soulful selections.
“Welcome to this action rally, as we go forth in prayer. Our
God shall be pleased with our deeds as we work in his
presence. God continue to bless the congregations and
speakers here today. Have our way Lord and do justice in
your name,” said Elder Hunt.
Rev. Dwight Gutridge of St. Paul Zion presented a summary
reflection of TUSA’s action agenda based on Luke 4:18. His
theme was, “We must do something and be specific in what we
do.”
The audience heard updates from about three previous action
agreements arranged by TUSA. Lucas County Commissioner Tina
Skeldon-Wozniak shared the Green Jobs in Lucas County
update: funding was received to train 2,000 citizens to
become work ready and earn a certificate. Bob Cole of ABLE
notified the audience that TUSA in collaboration with
community and legal partners had drafted a city ordinance to
arrange removal of lead in homes.
TPS Superintendent Romules Durant, EdD, explained the
partnership between the school system and TUSA. “We worked
to address high suspension and expulsion, especially in
grades six through eight that had the highest rate. The
power of the church has saved billions. We’re now looking
for churches to adopt and invest in our children. Now, 40
percent reduction in suspensions across the board,” said
Durant.
TUSA leaders plan to arrange follow-up meetings with Mayor
Collins, Toledo Police Chief Moton, and Toledo City Council
President Hicks-Hudson concerning the status of domestic
violence resources in Toledo, Ohio. |
