Lima NAACP panel discusses past struggles, future goals
Feb. 22—LIMA — In observance of Black History Month, the Lima NAACP Unit #3170 took the opportunity Saturday to share personal experiences and stories from as far back as the 1960s along with providing motivation for the future.
During a panel session Saturday at Grace Church Worldwide Ministries, 2945 Wells Drive, Lima, the panel and attendees came together to discuss how life around the area has evolved from the time of the civil rights movement to today.
"Everyone's experiences have been different," NAACP Lima president Ronald Fails said. "I think people are really open to understand where we've come from so that we can be better prepared to define where we're going."
Fails believes attendees benefitted greatly hearing panelists sharing stories of growing up and surviving in segregated southern states during trying times.
"I think people were able to hear how challenging it was to overcome early struggles, but they did it, and that says to me and to everyone if they did we can," Fails said.
Panelists also discussed division, religion, and politics and what can be changed to fix the issue.
"[The politicians have] got you thinking they own heaven," Fails said to attendees. "They make you think if you don't follow their script, you ain't gonna make it up there."
Panelists encouraged attendees and their families to vote more often.
Listening to personal stories of sacrifice has opened the door to future meetings focused on the theme of change throughout the chapter.
"We will meet many, many times again to come up with concrete steps that we can take as a community to create the kind of setting, community, state and world we want," Fails said. "And it may be small, but every movement starts out small."
Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351.
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