Message of unity at Monessen cookout

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

Monessen’s first Community Unity Cookout, held Sunday at Ninth Street Park, is being touted as a success, not only because of the turnout and the weather, but for the message it sends to others.

The event was coordinated by the Monessen Police Department and a group of community activists to promote harmony in the community and improve police/community relations. 

Police Chief Jim Smith said more than 300 meals were given out Sunday. While hot dogs and soft drinks were readily available, so were pulled pork, barbecue chicken and baked beans prepared by Pasta Shoppe manager Russell Johnson. Johnson said the Monessen Salvation Army donated 50 whole chickens that he quartered, smoked and barbecued at the event. He also prepared 170 pounds of pulled pork.

“We had a great turnout. The hardest part is getting started,” Smith said.

Pennsylvania NAACP President Kenneth Huston, a Monessen native who now lives in Monroeville, commended the police department for what it is doing and how it is doing it.

“It’s important that we stand together and work together because a community police force is a good police force,” Huston said.

Elder Jack Howell, assistant pastor of Christian Life Ministry in Monessen, called for change on all sides, the police community, the Black community and the community as a whole.

“The Blue Code is something we need to address. If you see wrong, say something,” Howell said. “I hear a lot of young people using the “N” word. I’ve been Black all my life and I’m offended. Stop using it. If we don’t use it, maybe others will get the message.”

Howell encouraged everyone in attendance to register to vote, and he especially encouraged young people who may not be of voting age yet to consider their decisions in life.

“If you are a felon, it will prohibit you from voting, so you want to stay away from activities that will keep you from voting down the road,” he said.

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