Set for Saturday is the first ever John Lewis Banquet in Benton Harbor. Neighbors Organizing Against Racism’s Trenton Bowens told us this summer the celebration is being held to honor those who have worked to make a difference in the community in the spirit of “Good Trouble,” as taught by John Lewis.
“Instead of just raising money, we want to honor local trailblazers who have done things for our organization, whether it’s volunteering or it’s community leaders who are focusing on doing some of the characteristics of John Lewis, such as good trouble,” Bowens said. “So, we’ll be honoring people who have been activists.”
Bowens says the event is also a celebration of Neighbors Organizing Against Racism, which started out with no funds and has grown in the past two years. The group has hosted community book reads and discussions, they were the first organization to implement floats in the Juneteenth Parade, and they recently helped rename a city park for June Woods, a former slave and business owner in Benton Harbor. The first John Lewis Banquet and award celebration will be Saturday with guest speaker Jousha Short, a former WNDU anchor. You can still get tickets online.
