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Enid mayor commends library programmer for adding Marshallese to language platform
Summary
Mayor David M. Mason read a proclamation recognizing Margo Holmes for persistent advocacy that helped Transparent Language add Marshallese to its English-learning offerings for Marshallese speakers; the Public Library of Enid and Garfield County and Holmes were named in the platform's recognition.
Mayor David M. Mason read a proclamation recognizing Margo Holmes, a library programmer for the Public Library of Enid and Garfield County, for advocating to add Marshallese to the Transparent Language learning platform.
The proclamation noted that Enid is home to one of the largest Marshallese populations in the continental United States and said Holmes’ advocacy led Transparent Language to offer English-learning resources for Marshallese speakers and to formally recognize both Holmes and the library. The recognition was presented during the City of Enid Mayor and Board of Commissioners meeting.
Terri (library staff) told the commission, “Margo is a wonderful, wonderful programmer. She puts on many different types of programs for adults in our community, adults of all ages. And she's also a fierce advocate, for our community.” Mayor Mason then read the text of the proclamation, which states in part: “I, David M. Mason, Mayor of the City Of Enid, Oklahoma, do hereby recognize and commend Margo Holmes.”
Holmes described her outreach to the language-platform provider, saying she first raised the request in 2013 and followed up about every six months and at conferences. “I called them and I emailed,” she said, adding that her persistence helped prompt the company to add Marshallese. Holmes urged others to speak up when they see a need: “Persistence pays off, so use your voice. If you see something you think needs to be done, speak up and keep speaking.”
The presentation was ceremonial; the commission did not take a formal vote on the matter during the item. The proclamation and the library’s recognition on the Transparent Language platform were cited as examples of the city’s efforts to expand language access for Marshallese residents.
The commission did not discuss funding or implementation tasks tied to the platform addition at the meeting. No follow-up assignments or budget items were recorded during the presentation.
