September 19, 1977 is a day remembered by many as “Black Monday” where the Steel Mills closed. Many stand as a witness to the Valley’s importance to the Rustbelt and the steel that remains a foundation to this nation. Since the Mills’ closings it’s as if we have wandered, aimlessly through the “wilderness” for 40+ years. We seemingly allowed the closure of an INDUSTRY to cloud and confuse our IDENTITY. We are, and have always been, ENTREPRENEURS. It is time to tell our newest story; just as loudly and repeatedly as this one has been told for so long.
By OFFICIAL Youngstown Mayoral, Youngstown City Council & Congressional proclamation (the office of Tim Ryan) September 19 is the day known as: “RECLAIMING OUR IDENTITY”.
On September 19, 2019 (42 years later) – let us gather at the Campbell Works Mills site (off of Poland Ave./Walton St. Bridge), where geographically Campbell, Struthers & Youngstown meet. Let us ALL take part in a tri-citywide celebration that says “today we remember & reclaim our true identity as it has always been – entrepreneurs.”
Residents of Campbell, Struthers & Youngstown, along with ALL THREE CITY MAYORS will be on-site to pay honor to and commemorate our Mill workers and the legacy they have left us. Each city will have a dedicated spotlight that shines into the night sky that will unite and bridge us as one. We will then challenge each city to join forces in an effort to move forward towards our bright and beautiful futures TOGETHER.
This is NOT an attempt to forget our history; but a celebration of our the firm foundation laid by those before us with a challenge to press on. Let our hearts and our hands be focused on the opportunities of our future. Let us take this day September 19, 2019 and reclaim it for those who help build Campbell, Struthers, Youngstown and this nation.
The Guess Who – In Concert