
Promoting unity and education
The Peace and Freedom Committee is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting unity and education among youth and individuals of all cultures. Our objectives include:


Martin Luther King Jr. Contest
We unite youth of all backgrounds to participate in the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical/Art/Poetry Essay Contest, where they can enhance their reading, writing, and public speaking skills.
Educational Initiatives
We strive to educate youth, young adults, and seniors from diverse backgrounds about the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., self-development, healthy wellness, computer skills, and financial resources.
JW Harris Scholarship
The Peace and a Freedom Committee, in partnership with the Black Heritage Council and Michael Zucker, are proud to sponsor the John W. Harris Scholarship.
Support of Local Authors
The Peace and a Freedom Committee is proud to promote the published works of local Marion area authors.

Lora Troutman
Lora Troutman, author of “Color Me Friend,” is a Marion, Ohio native. As a devoted wife for 49 years, she proudly cultivates faith, family and fellowship. Lora is retired from Whirlpool and a dedicated member of Locos Christian Ministries.

Kemba Hubbard
Kemba Hubbard was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. She has spent the last 20 plus years serving children and families in several different capacities as a teacher, school-community liaison, student service advisor, school psychologist, and student & family engagement specialist. She also has worked with countless children and families impacted by incarceration. Incarcerated parents and young black males are near and dear to her heart. This is primarily due to the struggles she has witnessed firsthand with her godchildren who landed in the perils of the criminal justice system. She continues to be deeply moved by students she encounters who are being swept up in the school-to-pipeline trend. The goal of her participation in this project is to give hope to children experiencing what they may believe is a hopeless situation. She currently lives in Marion, Ohio with her family.

Dana Booker
Dana Booker, author of “Guest Speaker,” has called Marion, Ohio, home for twenty years. Dana is a proud graduate of Eastern Michigan, and originally hails from Ann Arbor. Dana is a devoted wife and active church member.

Vicki Radebaugh
Vicki Radebaugh, author of “Devon Misses His Mommy,” is a Marion, Ohio, native. Married with three children and six grandchildren, she credits Jesus for her blessings. With 18 years in criminal justice, she helps people reach to their potential.

Kathleen Clemons-Keller
Kathleen Clemons-Keller, author of “Madear,” hails from Marion, Ohio. She is a wife, mother of two sons, and grandmother. After graduating from The Ohio State University, she’s dedicated 25 years to educating youth and adults.

Shauna McNamara
Shauna McNamara, author of “Songbird,” is a devoted wife and mother. She has three sons Demetrius, Derick, and Dominic, and seventeen grandchildren. She loves singing gospel music and praising the Lord!
Stephanie R. Bridges
Stephanie R. Bridges is an author who believes evervone has a story to tell. She founded ISPT Publishing LLC to assist other writers on their publishing journeys. She’s from Columbus, Ohio and a graduate of The Ohio State University.
Aylea Burkes
Aylea Burkes is a graduate of the Columbus College of Art and Design and enjoys creating illustrations for all to enjoy using digital and traditional techniques. She resides in Columbus, Ohio, with her loved one, cat, and parakeet.
Ayanna Niambi
Ayanna Niambi is a Columbus-based illustrator and graphic designer. She is a graduate of the Columbus College of Art and Design, where she studied illustration and 2D animation. She’s brought multiple children’s books to life.