Sharon resident James Adams attended Monday's lecture by James "Bubbles" White Sr. with a receptive mind.

Adams said that although he feels there's more intermingling in the Sharon/Farrell areas than in his hometown of Pittsburgh, lectures on diversity are still needed in the Shenango Valley.

"I think they're vital," he said. "They help us to recognize and accept the fact that we all have prejudices. The first step to getting past them is to first admit them."

A sizable and enthusiastic crowd of community leaders and members filled Farrell council chambers to listen to White's lecture, "Healing a Community's Heart." The workshop was sponsored by the E.R.A.S.E. anti-drug coalition and the Shenango Valley Urban League.

The Columbus-area training management consultant and executive coach brought humor along with his 28 years of corporate, education and government experience to Farrell in hopes of helping to "create an environment where people feel valued, respected and appreciated."

White, 62, shared with the audience his take on diversity as it relates to cultural values, norms and individuals' comfort levels.