United Returning Citizen Gala Keynote Speaker, Former Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams’ On His Vision For Uplifting Lives and Communities
United Returning Citizen’s annual fundraising gala: An Evening in Casablanca on October 6 at Stambaugh Auditorium is on the horizon, and the spotlight is firmly fixed on this year’s keynote speaker, Jay Williams.
A devoted advocate for community progress and transformation, the former Youngstown mayor is poised to enhance Gala’s fundraising endeavors and incite a promise of hope for returning citizens and their communities.
Jay Williams’ community leadership and advocacy
Williams, a proud native of Youngstown, boasts a finance degree from Youngstown State University. Before entering public service, he carved a successful career in banking and served as the Director of Community Development for Youngstown.
At 33, he made history as the city’s youngest, and first Black mayor, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
As President and CEO of the Hartford Foundation, Williams’ current role resonates with URC’s objectives for the fundraising gala. His commitment to dismantling structural racism, promoting equity, and elevating social and economic mobility aligns with the Casablanca Gala’s mission to empower returning citizens and address their challenges.
When asked about the challenges, Williams was unabashed in explaining how people often underestimate the gravity of these situations.
“These individuals are part of our community, our brothers and sisters,” he asserts. “We are all familiar with the stereotypes and prejudices they face.”
Without the necessary support and opportunities, struggles like access to employment, housing, healthcare, and family displacement ripple through society, affecting us all.
United Returning Citizens and the impact of workforce development within the cannabis industry
With a keen eye on workforce development and the evolving dynamics of industries like cannabis, which disproportionately affects people of color in terms of incarceration rates, Williams provides insights into how these factors are shaping the future for returning citizens.
“If cannabis becomes a legitimate part of the economy,” he shares, “We must acknowledge and support those who can responsibly participate in it.” Additionally Williams points out the importance of not allowing the stigma to hinder opportunities for individuals who could benefit from the growing industry. These benefits range from expungement for cannabis-related offenses to therapeutic practices for aftercare for returning citizens.
How United Returning Citizens is bridging the gap of housing inequities
The heart of the Gala’s mission is to raise funds for EZ Homes, a project that focuses on purchasing and rehabilitating real estate to provide housing for returning citizens.
Williams has a deepened perspective on how small cities, towns, and government entities can collaborate to drive policy changes supporting URCs in housing access.
“One compelling point to consider is that the cost of incarceration far surpasses the expenses associated with providing necessary services for URCs,” Williams observes. Given the city’s affordability, he sees the opportunity for Youngstown to develop replicable models for reintegration that serve as templates for other communities.
How community members can support change during URC’s Casablanca gala event
Join Williams and URC for a night of empowerment and transformation. As Williams aptly puts it, “I hope to see people who support , the Greater Youngstown/Warren community, URC and its pillars. It’s a tremendous organization, and their work is catalytic and transformative”
Take advantage of this – reserve your seat today!