'Lorain Freedom Rally' will bring conservative speakers to Oakwood Park on Aug. 30

The Libre Initiative Ohio, a Hispanic rights organization, along with Americans For Prosperity and Concerned Veterans for America, will host this year's Lorain Freedom Rally from 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 30 at Oakwood Park on East 36th Street in Lorain. The Libre Initiative, Americans for Prosperity and Concerned Veterans for America are conservative advocacy groups funded by the billionaire Koch family. The Libre Initiative, appeals to Hispanic Americans with a conservative, pro free-market message while Americans for Prosperity is a Libertarian anti-taxation group. This year The Libre Initiative promises "a family-friendly community-oriented day of fun, conversation and guest speakers," according to a news release. The event will include speakers from Americans for Prosperity and Concerned Veterans for America; Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley, a Democrat; Kyriece Brooks, Republican candidate for Lorain municipal clerk of courts who is facing incumbent Ted Kalo, a Democrat, in the November election; the presentation of a Recognition Award to Helmuth Chamale, a Lorain resident; Roger Le, a veteran and employee of the Lorain County Emergency Management Agency; Lorain County Commissioner Marty Gallagher, a Republican; and Lorain County Sheriff Jack Hall, a Republican. "We are a grassroots engagement initiative that has a vision and mission to educate and inform the community on topics such as lowering taxes, supporting small businesses, and education for our children," Leticia Damian, Libre's North Ohio director, said in a news release. "We are here to empower the community to achieve its full potential and amplify their voices."