By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
The Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union has been the host of the annual celebration of the Toledo African American community since 2005. In traditional fashion of the African American Festival, the celebration kicked off with the honorary prayer breakfast and parade down Dorr Street.
The Annual festival maintains the historical reference of the enrichment and transformative surrounding that is the origin of the Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union. The celebration concluded this year as always with the festival’s most recent transformation for a family friendly gathering, a music fest of multi-generational performances for all ages.
This year’s lineup included the final act favorite Zapp, with some new chart-topping additions such as Eric Benet, Midnight Star, Tiffany Campbell Fryer, Keke Wyatt, and the young-uncle vocal sensation, EJ Jones. The sets ranged from nostalgic hip shakers like “No Parking on the Dance Floor” by Midnight Star, to the newest airway groove “Gas Station Love” by EJ Jones.
The performers weren’t the only ones to light the stage on fire. Valerie Walston, ThD, opened up an electric conversation with Toledo Urban’s CEO and Founder, Suzette Cowell, ThD; Pastor Tim Pettaway and Strategic Advisor Latoya Morgan, on the state of the credit union.
Cowell recollected challenges she faced during the vandalism and theft of ATM’s following the opening of the new buildings. Sharing the obstacles with poor reviews, unsecure support, and financial deficits awaiting retribution. In spite of the interruption to service, Cowell remains committed
“It’s not about the finances, it’s about the love you get with Toledo Urban,” stated Cowell. Morgan shared plans for Toledo Urban to further the outpouring of love to the community with the opening of a full service resource center. It is expected to house full wrap-around resources for families and individuals to address gaps in personal as well as professional economic development.
“The years went by fast but it seems like we are needed now more than ever” added Cowell on her years of service.
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz honored Cowell’s contributions to the Toledo community with a key to the city and a proclamation for July 18 to be recognized as Suzette Cowell Day, an honor to the contributions, the value and the impact Cowell has brought to the community.
Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union will be announcing more on the opening of the resource center later this year and is currently coordinating interested partners for the operations. Visit toledourban.net and follow on social media for more information.
