Phil Kidd - Founder of DEFEND YOUNGSTOWN

Defend Warren

Phil and I discuss various topics like how the birth of DEFEND YOUNGSTOWN came about. He shares is story of coming from Burgettstown, PA and how he came to Youngstown. He explains the value of the non profits like Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership and Youngstown Neighborhood Developement Corporation in stablizing neighborhoods which will lead (hopefully) to reinvestment in the neighborhoods. He also shares how important the Youngstown 2010 plan was to Youngstown and indirectly Warren, thanks to the Wean Foundation. The influence that Phil has had over the years is hard to measure.
We also discuss some of the issues, specifically economic issues of Warren and Youngstown and how to address them. Such as the need to fix the neighorhoods and how to do so.
As we discussed, Youngstowners (Warren to the north to Youngstown to the south) are everywhere. No matter where you go, if you meet someone who is from the homeland, you will have an instant friend.
People have moved back and are moving back. We can change the direction of Warren and Youngstown.
We also talk a little music as well. West Coast Hardcore, East Coast Hardcore, punk, etc
Phil Kidd is the founder of Defend Youngstown. He previously served as the City of Youngstown Director of Events & Special Projects; was a Senior Neighborhood Organizer for Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative; served as a staff consultant for the YSU Journalism Department; and was owner of Youngstown Nation Gift Shop & Community Information Center in downtown Youngstown.
He was also a co-founder of the City Club of the Mahoning Valley and is a Community Affiliate with the YSU Center for Working Class Studies.
Kidd came to Youngstown to attend Youngstown State University where he studied Political Science. He later earned a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice.
Kidd currently lives and works in Cleveland but remains active in Youngstown, serving as a board member of the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, volunteering for various initiatives, and maintaining the Defend Youngstown social media sites.
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