MESSAGEFROM EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR
OnbehalfoftheboardandvolunteermembersoftheMartinLutherKing,Jr.Community CoalitionofLebanon,Iwouldliketothankthosethathavesupportedourorganizationover theyears Aswecelebrate15yearsasanon-profit,MLKLebanonwasproudtopresentthe 40thAnnualMLKDayCommemorationonMonday,January20thatResurrectionLutheran Church.Over150peopleattendedtheevent.TheMLKDayofServiceprojectwasabig success.Individuals,families,students,businesses,andorganizationsparticipatedintheMLK DayFoodDrivemakingitaDAYONnotadayoff.TheLebanonFoodPantrywasgratefulfor the775poundsofdonationsand$94000inmonetarydonations
AstheExecutiveDirector/Presidentforthepastfiveyears,Iamproudoftheprojects, fundraisers,andeventsthatwecreatedandsupported.Iammostproudoftheworkofour volunteermembergroup.Theyhavetirelesslygivenuptheirpersonaltimetoparticipatein theplanningoftheannualcelebrationeachyear.Thisplanningcommitteehasalsobeen instrumentalinbringingtolifeideasandsuggestionsthathaveledtoadirectimpactonour community.
Fundraising-LunchOnUsprogramwasinstrumentalinfightinghungerinourcommunity afterrecognizingafoodgapwithschoollunchdebt Over$28,000wasraised,providing 10,629lunchestostudentsinLebanonCitySchools.OurEarthDay5KFundraisersbenefited theJapaneseFriendshipParkatMillerEcologicalPark,LittleMiamiConservancyandthe NatureCenterAssociationofCaesarCreek.MLKLebanonalsohostedaseriesofStandUpTo Hate5kfundraisers.MLKLebanonChildren’sBookDriveprovidedBowmanelementary studentswithbooksaboutDr.MartinLutherKing,Jr. MLKLebanonraisedmoneyforthe purchaseofaGo-GritFreedomChair,anall-terrainhandicapaccessiblewheelchairfor CaesarCreektoensuregreateraccessibilitytonatureforindividualswithdisabilities
CommunityOutreach–TheCommunityStorieseventsallowedneighborstofindcommon groundwitheachotherwhilelearningaboutthestrugglesandtriumphsoversocialinjustices andprejudiceexperiencedbysomeoflongtimeLebanonresidents MLKLebanonmembers weremajorinfluencersinpushingfortheestablishmentofthehumanrelationscommission. MLKLebanonboardmembersworkedwiththeLebanonChamberandotherorganizations tocreateWeBelongLebanontohelpleadthechargeonhumanrelations,diversity,and culturalcompetencytraining.
Education-Asanorganization,MLKLebanonpartneredwithagencies,trainers,and facilitatorstoprovidelocaltrainingsanddiscussionsaboutanti-racism,communitydialogues, andblackhistory.MLKLebanonhasalsohostedbookdiscussionsandvideoscreeningsfor thecommunity.InconjunctionwiththeNAACPofButler/WarrenCounty,avirtualwebinar entitled“OurConstitutionAsItLivesAndBreathes”featuredhistorians,attorneys,andclergy. MLKLebanon,in-conjunctionwiththeCountrysideYMCA,hostedvirtualDiabetes educationalseriestohelpthoseinthecommunitylivingwithdiabetes.Manyparticipatedand foundittobehelpful
TheMLKCommunityCoalitionofLebanonislookingforwardtothe41st AnnualKingDayCelebrationonMonday,January19,2026.Wearealways acceptingnewvolunteersandprojectleaderstojoinoureventplanning committee.Pleasevisitourwebsitetojoinandstayconnectedat www.MLKLebanon.org.
ORIGINSTORYOFMLKLEBANON
Emerged out of a longstanding MLK Jr. Day planning group -Lebanon’s diverse Race Unity group, formed in the 1960’s.
The Race Unity Group met to help spread kindness, inclusion, and peace in the community. This group was part of the MLK Day event planning committee.
The officers of Bethel AME Church under the leadership of Ms. Bessie Ellen Thomas began the MLK Day commemoration in 1985. The event was an ecumenical service with representation from various local churches.
In 2010, a steering committee was formed to develop polices, procedures, and bylaws to guide the work of incorporating as a 501c3
MISSIONSTATEMENT
The mission of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Coalition of Lebanon, Ohio is to honor Dr. King's vision of justice by building an inclusive network of individuals and organizations that work toward empowerment for people.
COREVALUES
Unity
The MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon is to be a proud community partner with local, regional, and national organizations such as Service for Peace, Serve Ohio and MLKDay.gov.
Action
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Coalition of Lebanon is a group of individuals that are working to create change in our community through education, strategic planning, volunteer work, and awareness.
Service
We are committed to serving our community while we honor Dr. King's vision of justice. We are working to increase participation in community service, to coordinate fundraisers to pay off student lunch debt, to study the needs of our community and to celebrate the MLK Day Holiday each year.
LEADERSHIP
Raye Kimberlin, Executive Director/President
Rev. Karen Schaeffer, Treasurer
Renee Forrester, Secretary
Rev. Fred Cook, Chaplin
BYTHENUMBERS
40 King Day events celebrated in Lebanon.
15 MLK Lebanon was formed in 2010.
$28,000+ MLK Lebanon Lunch On Us donated to Lebanon City Schools to eliminate lunch debt.
5 MLK Lebanon Scholarships awarded to 5 seniors.
51 Drum Major awards presented.
$9.8K funds raised by four 5K events donated to local nonprofits.
$2,494 in donations and grants for MLK Lebanon Children’s Book Drive for Bowman Elementary School.
LUNCHONUS
MLK Lebanon launched Lunch On Us, under the leadership of Renee Forrester, in 2018 after researching food insecurity and discovering a gap in the community. School lunch debt was a national story and it was recognized as local issue for our schools.
Funds were raised at the Applebee’s Flapjack fundraiser as well as donations from corporate challenge, local churches, organizations, and individuals with the goal to eliminate school lunch debt. The MLK Lebanon Lunch On Us program also paid off graduating seniors lunch debt and schools fees to ensure they would receive their diplomas at graduation.
In 2020, the USDA provided free lunch to all students nationwide due to the pandemic. The final donation was presented to the school board in 2021.
FUNDRAISERS
MLK Lebanon Earth Day
MLK Lebanon developed a series of projects, fundraisers and community events to celebrate Earth Day. Led by Olivia Forrester, the organization hosted a community clean-up day along with an event in Pleasant Square Park to educate about plants, birds, and conservation.
During the pandemic, MLK Lebanon continued to support local nonprofits by hosting virtual 5K runs created by Olivia and her project team. Proceeds benefited the Japanese Friendship Park, the Little Miami Conservancy, and the Nature Center Association of Caesar Creek.
There was also a virtual Earth Day Fair providing educational information and videos via social media, YouTube, and MLKLebanon.org website.
FUNDRAISERS
MLK Lebanon Earth Day Fundraiser
Go GRIT Freedom Chair for Nature Center Association of Caesar Creek
In heartfelt remembrance of Olivia Forrester, whose sudden passing in 2023 deeply saddened us all, MLK Lebanon is committed to honoring her enduring legacy by carrying forward her impactful work. Olivia was an avid nature enthusiast and passionate bird watcher.
She was also a dedicated member and project leader of MLK Lebanon's Earth Day events and fundraisers. She held a special affection for Caesar Creek. She was instrumental in raising awareness about their mission to make outdoor spaces inclusive for all.
To honor Olivia's memory, MLK Lebanon raised money to support the Nature Center in acquiring the Go Grit Freedom allterrain wheelchair, ensuring greater accessibility to nature for individuals with disabilities.
FUNDRAISERS
MLK Lebanon Stand Up To Hate 5K
Following the police brutality events of 2020 and the hate seen across the country, project leader Olivia Forrester presented the Stand Up To Hate 5K concept. This virtual fundraiser was held for 2 years to help raise funds for MLK Lebanon.
FUNDRAISERS
MLK Lebanon Children’s Book Drive for Bowman Elementary School
MLK Lebanon Children’s Book Drive was inspired by Rev. Corey Wagonfield and his wife who is a school librarian. Over $2,500 in donations and grants were raised to purchase books about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for Bowman Elementary School.
MLKLEBANONSCHOLARSHIP
In 2020, the MLK Lebanon Educational Excellence committee proposed a scholarship program to offer a graduating senior from a Warren County high school or career center a $1,000 award.
Criteria for selection includes character, community involvement and scholastic achievement. To be eligible, the applicant must be a graduating high school senior in Warren County who has been accepted to attend or is currently attending a college, university, trade school, nursing school, or any post educational institution in pursuit of a post-secondary degree or certification.
2024
Lebanon
2023
Lebanon
2021
Lebanon
2020
2022
Lebanon
Maia Osborne
High School
Zoe Scott
High School
Lily Kusler
High School
Ava Lockhart
Springboro High School
Gabe McIntosh
High School
MLKLEBANON DRUMMAJORWINNERS
2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
Olivia Forrester - Adult Community Leader (posthumously)
Esther Larson - Adult Community Leader
Mulberry St. Books - Outstanding Organization
Zoe Scott - Youth Leader of Tomorrow
Russell Forrester - Adult Community Leader
Kristin Davenport - Adult Community Leader
Touching Hearts at Home - Outstanding Organization
Mia Brady - Youth Leader of Tomorrow
Sophia Toler - Youth Leader of Tomorrow
Ellen Hudson - Adult Community Leader
Emiko Moore - Adult Community Leader
Emily Pennekamp, President of ArtScape Lebanon - Organizational
Leadership Award
ArtScape Lebanon - Organization
Leena Rekhi-Salmon - Organizational Leadership Award
PEACOC/Springboro Juneteenth - Organization
Christiana Hardie - Youth Leader of Tomorrow
Sahiba Salmon-Rekhi - Youth Leader of Tomorrow
Renee Forrester - Adult Community Leader
Elizabeth Kimberlin - Adult Community Leader (posthumously)
Lebanon Food Pantry - Organization
Francesca Dishueme - Youth Leader of Tomorrow
Hope McCarren - Youth Leader of Tomorrow
Steve Brady - Adult Community Leader
Elks #422 - Organization
EVENTS
MLK Day Celebration in Lebanon
The King Day commemoration has been held in Lebanon since 1985. MLK Lebanon began producing the event in 2010 with local churches, volunteers, and organizations. The annual event has included musical guests, keynote speakers, and Drum Major Award winners.
EVENTS
MLK Marches
MLK Lebanon has held marches on the King federal holiday. It also held marches to commemorate the March on Washington in August. These events were to show solidarity across the country in support of Dr. King’s philosophy of justice and peace.
ARTPROJECTS
Berry Intermediate School - ArtScape Lebanon Artshow Theme: “Be The Dream”
Kings High School Art Project Theme: “Stand Up To Hate”
ARTPROJECTS
Art In Color Art Exhibit - ArtScape Lebanon
MLK Lebanon sponsored the Art In Color Art Exhibit produced by ArtScape Lebanon. Kristin Davenport led the committee. Renee Forrester helped curate the art for the exhibition.
EVENTS
2020 Peace Marches & Vigils
Members of MLK Lebanon participated in the various peace vigils, prayer services, and marches in Lebanon and around the region.
Sprin
National Night Out in Lebanon
EDUCATION
MLK Lebanon Book Discussions
MLK Lebanon hosted several book discussions, facilitated by Vonya Lewis, History professor at Sinclair Community College.
Community Stories
The MLK Lebanon Community Stories events were faciitated by Emiko Moore. d community members to learn how much . Th l b d h f d nce
EDUCATION
MLK Lebanon Trainings
MLK Lebanon hosted training to help educate the community. Debby Stokes facilitated several training events including Seeing the Face of God In Each Other and Expanding our Perspectives - Dismantling Racism. Tia Ramey led a training about effective communication “Mastering Difficult Conversations.”
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Training
Led by Rev. Karen Schaeffer and a team of professionals, MLK Lebanon facilitated trainings with the staff of the City of Lebanon. The series of sessions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
EDUCATION
Diabetes Education
MLK Lebanon partnered with the Warren County Council on Aging to offer a diabetes education series facilitated by Anita Burton Heck.
Our Constitution As It Lives & Breathes
MLK Lebanon, in partnership with the NAACP of Butler/Warren County, created a virtual workshop event to education the community about our constitution. The webinar included insight from attorneys, historians, and clergy about the living breathing document, the U.S. Constitution.
EDUCATION
MLK Lebanon & the Warren Co. Historical Society present Juneteenth in Lebanon Educational Series at the Armstrong Conference Center
Historians from the Harmon Museum gave lectures related to African American history. The community was also invited to tour the African American art exhibits and the award-winning Underground Railroad Exhibit.
FOLLOWING THE TRACKS OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD was presented by John Zimkus on Saturday, June 15, 2024 .
Michael Coyan, Executive Director, presented a historical overview of the historic Harveysburg Free Black School on Saturday June 17, 2023.
Mr. Mike Coyan presented a lecture on S.R. Bailey and the Lebanon AfricanAmerican school on Saturday, June 18, 2022.
SOCIALJUSTICE
In 2020, members of MLK Lebanon attended city council meetings in support of denouncing racism and establishing a human relations commission. Raye Kimberlin, along with Renee Forrester, Karen Schaeffer, Ben Wotawa, Krista Wyatt and Wendy Monroe helped to draft the resolution.
A RESOLUTION DENOUNCING ALL FORMS OF RACISM, PREJUDICE, AND DISCRIMINATION
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Lebanon, Ohio believes that it should be self-evident that all people, regardless of race, have a right to be treated with respect, fairness, equality, and dignity. The Council denounces all forms of racism, prejudice, and discrimination whether individual, structural, institutional, whenever and wherever it happens to occur.
WHEREAS, Recent events have shown Council that all communities, including Lebanon, must act in protecting all members of our community from the scourge of racial discrimination and disparate treatment. Because racial prejudice is most harmful when harbored or ignored by people in positions of leadership, we believe it is incumbent on those of us who hold leadership positions in our community to speak about this issue. Further, we must ensure that the value of each individual, and especially in these times the value of people of color, is recognized and protected The City of Lebanon holds all of its officials, employees, and partners to the highest standards regarding courteous and respectful treatment of all people and the protection of basic fundamental rights Further, the City of Lebanon itself affirms its strict adherence to all of its current policies that prohibit discrimination in hiring and employment
WHEREAS, City Council hopes and believes that this Resolution will help to bring increased government and private-sector attention to the issue of racism so that all people of color living in, working in, or visiting our community, feel safe, protected, and welcomed. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Lebanon, Ohio
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Lebanon, Ohio hereby denounces all forms of racism, prejudice, and discrimination, whether individual, structural, institutional, and vows to take a stand against it, whenever and wherever it happens to occur.
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Lebanon, Ohio hereby resolves to take specific measures to address this important issue through and to further promote equal opportunity and engagement in the provision of City services, programs, and policies within the Community.
SECTION 3. This Resolution shall take effect at the earliest period allowable by law.
Sponsors
All Members of Council
Council members
COMMUNITYOUTREACH
Lebanon City Schools
MLK Lebanon met with the Superintendent of schools and his staff to discuss issues of racism, discrimination, and bullying. The board members stated concerns about the situations and provided suggestions on discipline and education to ensure that incidents can be teaching moments and to prevent reoccurences.
Many members of MLK Lebanon have also participated in the Parent Advisory Group. These quarterly meetings are an opportunity for parents, alumni, and community members to learn about the district’s training, policy, and procedures related to the culture of the school. One are of concern has been the lack of diversity in the teaching and administrative staff. The district staff provided information on their recruitment and outreach process as well as the challenges of securing committed new teachers.
COMMUNITYOUTREACH
We Belong Lebanon
We Belong Lebanon was created following the city council’s decision to not establish a human relations commission. The chamber of commerce along with MLK Lebanon established We Belong Lebanon with community partners under the oversight of the Warren County Foundation. It exists to facilitate a gathering of individuals who are committed to listening, learning, asking questions, and sharing honest thoughts about a more accepting Lebanon for everyone. It understands how difficult it is to find spaces and communities where you can participate in conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Its purpose is to create a gathering of individuals who are committed to listening, learning, asking questions, and sharing honest thoughts about a more accepting Lebanon for everyone. This work will not only build a better community, but it will also enrich your life.
Discussions with Law Enforcement Agencies
In 2020, MLK Lebanon met with the Lebanon Police Department and Warren County Sheriff’s Office to discuss communities concerns about diversity, hiring process, training, de-escalation practices, crime reporting, and racial profiling.
THROUGHTHEYEARS
