MLK Lebanon Program booklet 2025

40 YEARS OF HONORING D R . M A R T I N LU T H E R K I N G J R .’ S L E G A C Y

Stride Toward Freedom with Unity, Action, and Service

M O N D AY, J A N U A R Y 2 0 , 2 0 2 5 | 1 2 P. M .

RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH

OUR MISSION TO HONOR DR. KING’S VISION OF JUSTICE BY BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE NETWORK OF INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT WORK TOWARD EMPOWERMENT FOR ALL PEOPLE

40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in Lebanon January 20, 2025, 12:00 p.m. | Resurrection Lutheran Church Video Presentation …… Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speech Gathering Music …… Table 15 Welcome …… Sara Davis Opening Congregational Song …… “Lift Every Voice & Sing” Opening Remarks …… Raye Kimberlin Prayer & Scripture …… Rev. Kathryn Davis Drum Major Awards Introduction …… Sara Davis Musical Selection …… Table 15 Drum Major Awards Winner Presentations Kaitlyn Burger, presented by Alissa Hencey Beverly Kinney (Posthumously), presented by Kristin Davenport Family Promise of Warren County, presented by Gail Rash Neighborhood Bridges – Lebanon, presented by Marcelete Elter League of Women Voters – Warren County Unit, presented by Karen Bentley Musical Selections …… MLK Lebanon Community Choir, directed by Jay Mills Keynote Speaker …… Rev. Corey Wagonfield Reading …… Emiko Moore Announcements & Recognition of Dignitaries …… Rev. Karen Schaeffer Remarks …… Raye Kimberlin Closing Song …… “Let There Be Peace On Earth” MLK Lebanon Community Choir and audience Benediction …… Rev. Corey Wagonfield

THANK YOU TO OUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Alex & Kristin Davenport

Gail Rash

Tom & Sara Davis

Jane Simmons

Marcelete Elter

Kelly Sakalas

Bill & MaryEllen Haynes

John & Robin Wientge

Raye Kimberlin

R&W Heating

Deborah Ransom

JOIN THE CIRCLE For a $40.00 donation, your gift will support MLK Lebanon activities, events, and scholarship.

WE SUPPORT MLK LEBANON

ALL ARE WELCOME! Are you looking for an inclusive, welcoming place to belong? Are you longing for a Christian worshiping community that welcomes you and your family just as you are? Are you wanting to find a way to share the love of Jesus and serve the community? Join us! Sunday services: 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

“Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

INDIUM ART & DESIGN CONSULTING, INC. KRISTIN DAVENPORT | 5 1 3 . 3 3 1 . 0 3 3 7

RLC-Lebanon.org

2025 DRUM MAJOR OF SERVICE A D U LT C O M M U N I T Y L E A D E R — P O S T H U M O U S LY

Beverly Kinney (1936-2024) In Memoriam Lebanon Food Pantry nominates Beverly Kinney In Memoriam to receive The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Coalition of Lebanon, Ohio Drum Major for Service Award.

Beverly was an active citizen of Lebanon, Ohio, and a passionate volunteer in a plethora of community service and social justice causes. To mention only a few places she made an impact, she was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church, a Trustee and the Secretary of Lebanon Food Pantry, a member of Warren County Democrats, a poll worker, a member of Better Angels, a Countryside YMCA volunteer, and a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in Warren County. She was a patron of the arts and supported Pride events and MLK Lebanon. Beverly saw possibilities all around to make the community and the world a better place by getting involved and donating time, effort, financial support, and enthusiasm.

Beverly was a beloved educator who taught gifted students in the Princeton District for more than thirty years. She encouraged her students to think critically and take ownership of their education. She showed up for the young people in her circle and those she had yet to meet. Beverly was ready to encourage young people to get involved. She showed that there was always a next step and more to do.

Beverly inspired those fortunate to know her to serve not by words alone but by her example. She challenged everyone to find common ground and work collaboratively. She demonstrated the benefit of seeking diverse opinions to broaden her perspective and readily shared her experiences with others.

Though Beverly’s life was cut short, she continues to make her mark in Lebanon, Cincinnati, and beyond. Her family, friends, and acquaintances remember how she lived each day by asking, “What am I going to do to make the world a better place?”

Beverly’s legacy is in our hands as we strive to forge our path and positively influence others to build a better world.

YO U T H L E A D E R O F TO M O R R OW

Kaitlyn Burger Katilyn is a tireless advocate for students with disabilities and students’ mental health needs. She is a member of the Lebanon High School Hope Squad and works with other volunteer groups in the school to support inclusive practices. She is currently working with Key Club to plan a dress drive so that students who cannot afford dresses can attend prom, homecoming, and Daylight Prom (for students with multiple disabilities).

She actively befriends and includes students, regardless of ability.

AWA R D W I N N E R S A D U LT C O M M U N I T Y L E A D E R

Raye Kimberlin Raye Kimberlin, MLK of Lebanon Executive Director/President, has been a board member since 2010. She was raised in Lebanon and always believed everyone should be seen, heard, and included.

Raye has been the Founder/Community Leader of Giving Tuesday Lebanon since Nov. 2019. She created a local Giving Tuesday Lebanon community to support Lebanon and Warren County nonprofits. She developed a website and giving guide to showcase area charities, managing all public and media relations, including writing press releases, pitching stories, storytelling, all digital marketing, including social media, website, and email communications. Her accomplishments include being a panelist and speaker at the Giving Tuesday Global Summit, a Community Leader presenter as part of the Small Community Leadership Conference, and a participant in Giving Tuesday North America 2023 and 2024 Gathering.

Raye’s work in the community includes ArtScape Lebanon, Art in Color Exhibit, Committee Member 2020, Main Street Lebanon, Marketing Committee Member, City of Lebanon, Board of Festivals and Tourism, Board Member/Secretary, Child Advocacy Center of Warren County, Blue Ribbon Gala Committee, Publicity where she has had a positive impact with every organization.

Raye is also an advocate for everyone in our community, issues on injustice, and issues concerning the environment.

She participates in the Parent Advisory Committee for Lebanon City Schools on issues involving race and inequality, searching for solutions for our students. She urged the Lebanon Council to establish a Human-relations commission.

After a month of debate, the Lebanon City Council unanimously denounced racism, prejudice, and discrimination and resolved to work toward change in the community on these issues. She completed MLK Lebanon’s goal of donating an All-Terrain Wheel Chair, making Caesar Creek accessible. Through marches, fundraisers, programs, workshops, and meetings, Raye has always led with compassion, integrity, and love.

“The of Color of Love Bridal Expo” was the brainchild of Raye while working in radio in Columbus. In 2001, Raye conceived the idea of celebrating marriage and love in the black community by creating a Black Bridal Extravaganza. The bridal expo included over 75 bridal businesses, Christian-based seminars, fashion shows, prizes, and a wedding for two lucky radio listeners. She also held “The Color of Love Bridal Expo” in Cincinnati with her own funding and support from her family. This is one of Raye’s proudest accomplishments.

During Raye’s time in Columbus, tragedy struck, and from that unimaginable incident, she became involved in several child abuse awareness and prevention organizations, advocating for children and families. She wanted to bring awareness to help educate and prevent this from happening to another baby. Her son Shawn is a miracle; she used her energy, knowledge, and power for good to help others!

Through her leadership, MLK Lebanon has accomplished amazing things and assisted the community of Lebanon in meaningful and measurable ways. Raye championed MLK Lebanon Committee members’ ideas as “We Stood Up to Hate with Love,” marched for Justice and Peace, interfaced with the Police Chief and Warren County Sheriff to bring awareness and understanding, learned the stories of individuals through community stories, celebrated Freedom on Juneteenth, focused on ways to heal our earth, stood in the gap for those in need, learning about our Constitution and our shared responsibility and our common desires.

Raye has been an inspiration. She has invited us to the table, and it has been up to us to show up and do something.

2025 DRUM MAJOR OF SERVICE AWARD WINNERS O R G A N I Z AT I O N S

Family Promise of Warren County Family Promise of Warren County is dedicated to helping families experiencing homelessness by offering a unique program that emphasizes responsibility, accountability, dignity, and growth. Through a volunteer-based approach, the organization equips families with the tools and support they need to achieve long-term success. Recognizing the complexity of poverty, Family Promise integrates educational outreach, targeted programming, and effective policies supported by thousands of volunteers. The organization provides food, transitional housing, support services for homeless families, and advocacy to prevent homelessness among at-risk families. It also focuses on educating the community about poverty and solutions to it. This organization also helped families in crisis after the devastating apartment fire in Lebanon. Family Promise helped them with resources to find new housing, food, clothing, and various items to rebuild their lives.

League Of Women Voters – Warren County Unit The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan political organization dedicated to fostering informed and active participation in government. It works to increase understanding of key public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League’s vision for the Warren County area is to be a leading civic organization that engages members and the community in public policy initiatives promotes voter rights and expands voter services. Its monthly meetings serve as informal group discussions to explore and address local community issues, acting as a “Community Think Tank.” The diverse group of women involved are passionate and thoughtful and believe in the importance of ensuring every voice is heard in shaping the community.

Neighborhood Bridges – Lebanon Neighborhood Bridges is a community-driven organization that partners with local advocates such as counselors, social workers, and school administrators to anonymously post the needs of students and families on their platform.

These needs range from school supplies and clothing to household items and financial assistance. The needs are shared with subscribers via daily emails and social media. Subscribers can then offer help, and the Neighborhood Bridges team ensures donations are picked up and delivered to those in need. Neighborhood Bridges was a significant source of support for many, especially those families and individuals impacted by the apartment fire. They provided essential items to help them with basic daily needs.

D R U M M A J O R AWA R D — P A S T W I N N E R S 2024 Esther Larson - Adult Community Leader Olivia Forrester (Posthumously) - Adult Community Leader Mulberry St. Books (Angela Kovacich) - Outstanding Organization 2023 Zoe Scott - Youth Leader of Tomorrow Russell Forrester - Adult Community Leader Kristin Davenport - Adult Community Leader Touching Hearts at Home - Outstanding Organization 2022 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, Founding Member and Coordinator of PEACOC/Springboro Juneteenth - Organizational Leadership Award PEACOC/Springboro Juneteenth Organization

2021 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 2020 Francesca Dishueme - Youth Leader of Tomorrow Hope McCarren - Youth Leader of Tomorrow Steve Brady - Adult Community Leader Elks #422 - Organization 2019 Allison Bausmith - Youth Leader of Tomorrow Linda Rabolt - Adult Community Leade Resurrection Lutheran Church Art Ministry - Organization Warrior Backpack Program - Organization 2018 Pam Schiemann - Adult Community Leader Laura Burke - Leader of Tomorrow Prodigal Son Ministries - Organization 2017 Sharen Eninger - Adult Community Leader Hannah Louise McCarren - Youth Leader of Tomorrow Countryside YMCA - Organization

2016 Mary Wells, Adult Community Leader (posthumously) Rev. Karen Schaeffer, Adult Community Leader Shawn Kimberlin, Youth Leader of Tomorrow LHS ROTC, Organization 2015 Mayor Amy Brewer, Adult Community Leader Rev. & Mrs. Woodson, Adult Community Leaders Alyne Scott, Adult Community Leader Home Depot, Organization Bethel AME Church Organization 2014 Sandra Offord, Adult Community Leader St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Organization 2013 Jay Mills, Adult Community Leader Well Dunn Photography, Organization 2012 Lebanon Optimist Club, Organization Jean Benning, Adult Community Leader 2011 Mary Lou Harmon, Adult Community Leader 2010 Freedom Honorees James Mills Ethel Sims Marie Singleton Barbara Younger

M A K E A N O M I N AT I O N F O R N E X T Y E A R

NOMINATE AN OUTSTANDING LEADER OR ORGANIZATION TODAY FOR THE 2026 MLK DRUM MAJOR AWARDS This award is designed to recognize the contributions of those who exemplify the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as described in his sermon on the Drum Major Instinct.

Please make a nomination in any of the three categories of nominees: 1) Youth – Leaders of Tomorrow 2) Adult – Community Leaders 3) Organizations Visit mlklebanon.org for more information.

OUR BOARD STEERING COMMITTEE Raye Kimberlin, Executive Director/President Rev. Karen Schaeffer, Treasurer Renee Forrester, Secretary Rev. Fred Cook,Chaplain MLK CELEBRATION COMMITTEE Chair: Renee Forrester OUR CONTACT INFORMATION Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1671 Lebanon, Ohio 45036 Website: www.MLKLebanon.org Email: mlklebanon@gmail.com Phone: (513) 932-7919

LEBANON

FOOD PA N T RY

FEEDING NEIGHBORS TOGETHER

In 2024, together we served 168,633 meals to 18,737 neighbors!

THANK YOU!

GIVE NOW

givebutter.com/MLKDAY Feed neighbors in 2025.

Congratulations To All of The Award Recipients of the 40th Annual M.L.K Day Event in Lebanon

from The Warren County Unit Group of the

The League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Warren County Unit Group is dedicated to community engagement, educating the voters of Warren County, nonpartisan voter registration information-education, lively and informative eight monthly program discussions.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

We never support or oppose any political party or candidate. …We are visible and engage our members and community in public policy initiatives, educate and advocate for voter rights, and provide expanded voter service.

LWVCA Warren County Unit Group

https://my.lwv.org/ohio/cincinnati-area

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963