Daytonian of the Week: Darryl Fairchild

In fifth grade, our Daytonian of the Week was caught up in the busing issue of his time. He witnessed firsthand both sides of the racial tensions, and saw many children his age living in poverty.

"I was being shaped for what I do today," says Darryl Fairchild, minister at the Bellbrook United Methodist Church and community activist in the Dayton area.

What's your title?
Pastor of Bellbrook United Methodist Church.

What's your favorite spot in Dayton?
There are just so many. I like RiverScape and riding my hand cycle with my family on the bike paths, sunsets over Community Golf Course, South Park Tavern, Boston's Bistro, Huffie's Bar-B-Que and Catering, Ohio Coffee Company and Slyder's on Watervliet in Belmont.

What's your guilty pleasure?
Esther Price chocolate.

What's one word you think people would use to describe you?
Passionate -- about my faith, city, family and friends.

Why did you decide to settle in Dayton?
I'm not sure I had a choice. My ministry was to be here. Somehow I'm supposed to be here.

How did you get involved in your ministry and politics?
When I was in fifth grade, mandatory busing started. I was bused from Belmont to Residence Park on the west side of Dayton. I saw the poverty and racial tensions from going to a different school. That is when my ministry started to take shape. Getting into politics was a combination of reading writings by Martin Luther King, Jr. and attending a conference in Philadelphia. I realized I wasn't giving God everything.

What was the most challenging part of that?
The best part of the church is the people. They can be kind and loving -- the worst is the opposite of that. Tension between the two realities of people are the best and the worst part. Politically -- multiple interests surround any given issue and it can be different to personal interest.

How did you push through the challenges?
My faith in God, my experience of overcoming obstacles in the past and the support of loved ones.

What inspires you about Dayton?
I think Dayton has its own spirit of hope from the people of both the past and present.

If you could change or bring one thing to Dayton, what would it be?
Reduce the number of kids living in poverty. What made Dayton great were clear paths of, if you worked hard, you could do well for you and your family. We need to return to that idea.

How do you see Dayton in 10 to 15 years?
As a place where the American ideals are lived out, a place where diverse people come and their talents are used. Renewed sense of community and purpose where people can flourish -- that is what Dayton is about.

Know someone who should be our Daytonian of the Week? Drop us a line: contact@dayton.com.

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