LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Lima residents took time on Sunday to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and honor those who follow his example.
For decades, the I Have a Dream Banquet has been held to give recognition to the people working to improve the community. This year's guest was 1976 Lima Senior grad Jonathan Hollingsworth, who went on to become a lawyer at his own firm. He says that he's impressed to see how much more diverse the local government has become since he moved away. Hollingsworth hopes that hearing his success story can inspire young people to continue working hard towards their own career goals.
"I think it's important to come back home and share with people, the young folks in particular, some of the successes that I've had, and the hard work that went into that, and how they too can be successful. It's always important to give the next generation a hand up," he said.
Councilman Derry Glenn says that the number of people who attended despite the cold reflects the exact kind of spirit Dr. King would like to see.
"Dr. King is very important. He walked in this kind of weather, he met with people to keep our dream alive. The weather doesn't mean anything to Dr. King. When we march tomorrow, at 2 pm, we will be marching tomorrow and no matter what the weather is, you can drive in your car, but we will walk," Glenn said.
Monday's MLK Day Walk will begin at the corner of Holmes and Second at the site of the old Whittier School.
This year's award recipients are:
Furl Williams Award: Milton Grant
Larry Watkins Award: Rev. Victor R. Watts
Alberta Shurelds Award: Sally Windle
Mary Coleman Award: Tiffany Wright
Rosa Parks Award: Donna Glover
Dream Award: Willie Tisdale, Rev. Floyd Upshaw, Bob Seggerson, Scott Campbell
