LIMA — A man who brought a coffeehouse to Lima, a teen photographer and a former radio personality who pushes for equality will be honored next week for their contributions to Lima as part of the Community Enrichment Dinner.
The winners will be recognized at the 2022 dinner starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21 at the exhibit hall at Veterans Memorial Civic Center. The annual event recognizes the minority community, with a diverse crowd of more than 700 people annually attending. Proceeds help fund programs that support equity, diversity and inclusion in the Lima region.
This year’s honorees include:
• Thomas “TJ” Smith, the Young Leadership Community Image Award. He created Daddys at Work, a nonprofit program, in 2010, which helps fathers become an active, positive influence in the lives of their children.
• Charles “The Raven” Thomas, Community Legacy Service Award. He worked at radio stations such as 105 Jamz, 940 Jamz, The Big Buck and Mix 103.3, pushing to bring inclusivity to radio programming. He also had a long career with Allen County Juvenile Court and became a juvenile probation officer.
• Rhodes State College, Corporate Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion Award. The college helps change lives with its learning opportunities, with Dr. Lisa Renee Bradley heading the diversity, equity and inclusion activities to bring in an inclusive group of students.
• Frank Fisher, Small Business Equity of the Year Award. Since opening Divine Hair in January 2001, Fisher often provides food, school supply and clothing giveaways, assisting families in need.
• Janya Monae Henderson, Young Teenage Entrepreneur Vision Award. The 18-year-old started JMH Photograph to capture moments through her creatively unique lens, with hopes of opening a photography studio in Lima.
• Derry Glenn, Social Justice and Vision Award. He works relentlessly to get assistance to all residents of Lima as both Lima’s 6th Ward councilor and as an individual advocate to help people.
• Carlton McLellan, Rising Business of the Year Award. His Vibe Coffeehouse & Cafe in downtown Lima is in addition to his work as a senior fellow at the Association of Black American Ambassadors and as founding director and senior associate for Global Ties South Africa.
The Sept. 21 event includes entry to the concert by The Commodores at the Civic Center. The Community Enrichment Dinner opens its doors at 4:30 p.m., with dinner starting at 5 p.m. Tickets range from $90 to $110 and are available online at bit.ly/3qEWQ7w.
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