Black History Month panel discussion for students at River Gate High School

In celebration of Black History Month a high school in Warren hosted a panel discussion for students. On Wednesday morning local community leaders spoke about their life growing up as a minority in the Mahoning Valley.
River Gate High School welcomed the leaders to educate students on how to change society and overcome barriers.
Students heard from revered leaders like the Director of Public Safety and Service for Warren, Eddie Colbert and President and CEO of Greater Warren Youngstown Urban League, Thomas Conley.
The discussion focused on the importance of Black American History.
"I wanted to bring something to our students that was real, that was organic [so students] could have they're real life questions answered," said River Gate High School and community liaison, Christina Young.
Students and faculty watched as city officials, leaders, and teachers candidly discuss growing up in the valley and societal changes they've seen over the years.
Speakers told stories about facing segregation, discrimination and vile name calling. As intolerance of bigotry steadily grows, panelists say there is still more work to be done.
"I do believe there are some areas in which we are regressing and it's going to be up to us as a people to decide which direction that we want to go in," said Colbert.