Service to honor Lincoln’s legacy

The event is a rallying call to action from leaders of the black community.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Youngstown & Vicinity and the Baptist Pastors’ Council will host the annual Emancipation Proclamation Services at Price Memorial AME Zion Church, 920 Dryden Ave.

The worship service is at 10 a.m. today. The annual event, the longest contiguous black community’s celebration in this area, recognizes the commemorative signing by President Abraham Lincoln of the document that abolished slavery in the United States.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Morris W. Lee, pastor of the Third Baptist Church, Youngstown.

The theme “The Realization of the Dream” will provide an examination and reflection upon the challenges and opportunities that belie the black community’s collective leadership.

The second annual Rev. Elizabeth Powell Heritage Award will be presented to Joel C. Imler for his heroic efforts that saved the lives of four young children in an October house fire.

The IMA’s mission is to promote ecumenical fellowship in a united effort for the good of human welfare; promote pastoral dignity and ethical fellowship with one another; cultivate and advance faith principles and values among people of all ages; direct available resources toward relevant social issues and causes; and to establish partnerships with faith-based and community organizations that work toward eradication of racial and social-justices issues.

Among the IMA’s projects is the founding of the area’s faith-based credit union.

The service will conclude with an installation and commissioning service of officers of faith and community organizations, which will include the IMA, BPC, the Community Mobilization Committee, the Junior Civic League, the Links, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Youngstown Warren Black Caucus, The 100 Black Men Youngstown Warren Chapter, Interdenominational Clergywomen Alliance, A. Phillip Randolph Institute and the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity among others. The installation will unveil and showcase the leadership within the black community.