By Tracee Perryman, PhD
Guest Column
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE), Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO) and the Toledo Bar Association (TBA) honored Pastor Donald Perryman, PhD, and Jesus Salas, JD, at their annual Access to Justice Awards Breakfast on Aug. 20, recognizing decades of advocacy on behalf of residents across northwest Ohio. About 200 people attended the event, which celebrates attorneys and community leaders whose work has produced lasting impact in the region.
Jennifer Snedigar, ABLE’s director of regional development, explained, “The Access to Justice Awards were created to foster community involvement in Lucas County by highlighting the work done to meet the needs of those who have limited means and access. The event kicked off in 1998 in the Toledo community.”
The banquet responds to an ongoing debate among advocates, residents, elected officials, and faith leaders over how to measure authentic commitment to social justice. One measure often cited is longevity: who stays in the fight when an issue is unpopular, who remains vocal when retaliation is likely and who continues to serve when no one is watching. By that standard, this year’s breakfast might best be described by a single theme: a legacy of longevity.
Snedigar described the criteria for selecting this year’s honorees. “A Nomination Committee comprised of community members, legal professionals and community advocates makes the selections based on those people submitted for the awards,” she said. “Both nominees were selected for their commitment and many years of advocacy work in the Toledo area.”
Perryman received the Community Advocacy Award. Salas received the Public Interest Law Award. Both honorees have partnered with the three organizations on policy efforts that produced systemic changes for residents historically left out of decision-making.
Public Interest Law Award
Salas spent 30 years as a senior attorney at ABLE, litigating cases involving civil rights, health care access, language and translation access, public benefits and immigration reform. He also trained attorneys and staff in management, supervision, and diversity practices. He now operates a private practice offering bilingual legal services.
In his acceptance speech, Salas told the audience that his service and the sharing of his expertise had been his calling.
Community Advocacy Award
Perryman, who has worked with ABLE on a range of social issues, was recognized most recently for the “Healthy Food Overlay” initiative, an effort to revive Toledo’s historically Black-owned business district and eliminate food deserts. The project drew coverage from NBC Nightly News.
His earlier work includes partnering with the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority to reform policies and expand transportation access for people with disabilities and residents of under-resourced neighborhoods. He also publicly opposed the militarization of local police, an effort that contributed to the adoption of a community policing model over the use of armored vehicles.
In his remarks, Perryman traced his advocacy to his early life. After the unexpected death of his father, he said, deacons at his church and staff at St. Francis de Sales High School stepped in to provide support and mentorship. He described advocacy and outreach as a family legacy that began with his grandfather, also a pastor.
Colleagues reflect
Scott Sylak, executive director of the Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, praised both honorees for their service on the board.
“As a former member of the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County, the Rev. Dr. Perryman was a fierce advocate for individuals living with mental health and substance use disorders,” Sylak said. “His leadership helped transform our Board and the broader behavioral health system, making both more purposeful, accessible, and equitable. Jesus Salas brings that same fierce commitment to service. His passion for justice has led him to serve on the MHRSB and many other boards, where he has helped shape policy-level decisions that improve the lives of others. We are honored that both Mr. Salas and the Rev. Dr. Perryman chose to serve our Board and the people of Lucas County.”
The Rev. Dr. Amariah McIntosh, associate director of the Ohio Council of Churches, said Perryman welcomed her into the local faith community when she arrived in Toledo.
“As a new pastor, he invited me to join UPSE,” she said. “I have seen him work diligently and consistently bringing the faith, social, and service communities together to make Toledo and Lucas County the Beloved Community Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. envisioned. What I admire most about Dr. Perryman is that he works as a Barnabas. He is an encourager, doing what he can to make sure the work gets done without seeking credit or accolades. He truly exemplifies the words of the song that says, ‘Let the works I’ve done speak for me.’
The organizations
ABLE and LAWO work to remove barriers to safe housing, quality health care, education and stable employment. In 2025, the two organizations served more than 24,000 people and secured more than $13 million in benefits for clients. The Toledo Bar Association has provided legal assistance to more than 30,000 clients since its founding.
How to get involved
The community can become involved by donating to the Justice for All Campaign, which runs through the fall. Donations support the work of all three organizations.
Donate online at www.ablelaw.org/A2J-TOL-DONATE
Or mail donations to:
ATTN: Access to Justice Breakfast Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc., 525 Jefferson Ave., Suite 300, Toledo, OH 43604
For more information or assistance, call Jennifer Snedigar at 937-535-4420 (jsnedigar@ablelaw.org) or Diana Anderson at 419-930-2515 (danderson@ablelaw.org).