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25 Community Leaders Recognized at Award Ceremony
By Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
Community Solidarity Response Network of Toledo (CSRNT)
organized their second annual Black Lives Matter Awards on
February 23, 2019. The second floor of the historic
Frederick Douglas Community Association center was filled to
capacity with the honorees, the families and friends of the
honorees, along with CSRNT members, and community
supporters. The honorees received public recognition, a
certificate, a metal decorated in red, black and blue
ribbon. |
Honoree Patrice McCellan, second from left,
and guests |
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“Good evening brothers and sisters, we’re here to celebrate
our community,” said Washington Muhammad, a CSRNT member, as
he opened the program and introduced the mistress of
ceremonies, Rashya Ghee..
Immediately following the opening, Carmen Miller delivered
an acapella rendition of the Negro National Anthem,
and members of CSRNT read the organization’s mission and
guiding principles. Guests and honorees dined on a full
course meal and fine music.
“I knew the lives of black lives were worth fighting for. It
was worth the fight. We have awarded over $17,000 in
scholarships to our youth and I want to make sure we
continue that work and continue to celebrate us. We will
continue to fight against police brutality, but will also
continue to celebrate ourselves every year,” explained
Chairman Ruth Leonard.
2019 honorees were: Timothy Pettaway Jr, Danny Ricardi,
Patrice McCellan, Keisha Snow-Beley, Lonnie Ghee, Sheena
Barnes, Nia Snelling, Veralucia Mendoza, Rob Pasker, Lance
Self, Mike Rob, Marcus Boyd, Derrick Brooks, Tina Butts,
Terrance Pounds Sr., Kwinlyn Tyler, Khadirah Muhammad, Blair
Johnson, David Ross, Montrice Terry, Zia Cooke, Anthony
Barnes, Derrick Brooks, Leigh Utley and Tiara Armstrong.
The
Community Solidarity Response Network of Toledo was formed
on November, 25, 2014; this was the day after the media
announced that Michael Brown’s accused killer in the St.
Louis, MO area wouldn’t be indicted. The group’s mission is
to bring awareness to the
injustices experienced by black men, women and children who
are disproportionately murdered, attacked, provoked and
harassed by law enforcement. The mission also addresses
needing an end to police brutality, request for
accountability and consequences for police brutality, and
demand for justice because in order for all lives to matter
black lives must matter.
For more information about Community Solidarity Response
Network of Toledo consider visiting their Facebook page by
searching for the agency’s name. Their meetings are held
Tuesdays at Padua Center, located at Nebraska and Junction.
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