LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A Lima city councilman is encouraging residents to help one another and reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth by giving back to the community.
To help kick off the federal holiday, Lima 6th Ward Councilman Derry Glenn purchased four window air conditioning units for Lima residents in need. Juneteenth is observed annually on June 19 and commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Glenn is encouraging people to find ways to serve others and remember those who were released from slavery more than 150 years ago.
“So, we asking everyone to remember the folks that set the stage for us, gave us the opportunity for me and other ones to speak out on different issues that goes on in our community. Speak out on some things that's not right. This is what we had opportunity to do. The slaves allow us do that. So go back, research, help someone out in our community that need help. There's a lot of them need help around our community,” said Derry Glenn, Lima’s 6th Ward councilman.
One of the recipients said the donation will make a significant difference.
“I'm just very appreciative of it with the help. Some of us may not have extra cash laying around to go out and just buy an air conditioner at the moment. So, what he's doing for us is very appreciative,” said Marzelle Harris, who received an air conditioner.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed legislation establishing the observance nationwide.
