LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A celebration honoring the late civil rights activist and U.S. Rep. John Lewis will take place Feb. 22 in Lima.
Lima 6th Ward Councilman Derry Glenn will host his 10th annual dinner and awards ceremony in honor of Lewis, whose work helped shape the modern civil rights movement. The Georgia congressman was a key figure in the Freedom Rides, the 1963 March on Washington and the marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Lewis was also a longtime advocate for voting rights in the United States.
Glenn is inviting the community to attend the event to learn more about Lewis’ legacy and impact.
“We ask for everyone to come out. Come out. Bring your kids so we can get educated on this. Continue educating you on this. On February 22 at 3pm at City Club, we want you to come out so you can get educated on what's going on in America. We're hoping that some of the young people be able to know who John Lewis about,” says Dr. Derry Glenn, Lima 6th Ward Councilman.
The featured speaker for the event will be Dr. Dione Summerville, president of Owens Community College. Organizers say Summerville’s work in education and her impact on the community reflect the values Lewis stood for.
“So, we always are looking for someone who is keeping the John Lewis momentum going. You know, the same things that John Lewis stood for. We are looking for people who are emulating that, even the individuals who are going to be award recipients. These individuals have been certainly keeping that same momentum going," says Dr. Lisa Bradley-Glenn, John Lewis Day Celebration.
The John Lewis Day Celebration will be held Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. at the City Club, located at 144 S. Main St. in Lima. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 7 to 17.
