Although it was frigid outside Jan. 15, those gathered inside the Cathedral Church of the Nativity’s Sayer Hall felt the warmth of friendship and purpose while celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The free annual breakfast event was co-sponsored by the NAACP’s Bethlehem branch and the Bethlehem YWCA.

Rev. Thomas Sweatt, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Zion Church in Allentown, served as keynote speaker. He expressed gratitude that the celebration of Dr. King’s memory “could bring together such a multi-ethnic, inter-generational, cross-section of community.” Sweatt said through these gatherings, “We shall be changed, we shall be elevated, and we shall overcome.

“Racism still troubles America today,” he lamented. Although the civil rights movement brought about integration, Sweatt declared, “We must move from that to economic empowerment.” Citing recent statistics pointing out a great disparity of wages paid in the workplace by race and gender, he argued, “If you do equal work, you should get equal pay.

“He who would control your world, moves first to control your resources,” explained Sweatt about making economic equality a top priority. Improving public education is needed for moving forward, as well as turning out to vote, he said. Sweatt encouraged the audience to live “God-centered lives.”

Executive Director YWCA of Bethlehem Stephanie Hnatiw affirmed, “The YWCA’s mission is to eliminate racism and empower women.” She related the history behind the pursuit of both goals. From the 1940s through the 60s, according to Hnatiw, delegates to conventions and meetings found themselves segregated at their destinations. During the 1970s, the organization concluded, “We’re never going to be empowered until racism is eliminated,” Hnatiw said.

Bethlehem branch NAACP President Esther M. Lee thanked all those who participated in in the community celebration. She praised Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy, as well as, the Bethlehem police department. Lee expressed pride that “we have some color in our police recruits.” One of them, she pointed out, Rodney Bronson Jr., was recently promoted to lieutenant.

In response to recent events in Washington, Lee said, “The president of the United States has insulted us.” She announced, “I’m going hit the street this week, old as I am, because I’m going to call for his impeachment.”

Roy, Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez, State Rep. Steve Samuelson (D), Vice President for Equity & Community at Lehigh University Donald Outing, and Northampton County District Attorney John M. Morganelli each took turns at the podium praising the work of Dr. King and those who followed him.

“We must overcome any attack, large or small on a simple belief that all men are created equal,” Donchez said. “Dr. King showed us the way. But now it is our responsibility to continue his journey to see his dream fulfilled.”

“Our district is committed to the work social justice,” Roy said. “Dr. King often spoke about affirming the dignity and worth of each individual. Our district’s equity work follows Dr. King’s teachings.”

Commenting on the reportedly divisive rhetoric coming out of the nation’s capital, Samuelson said, “I am deeply troubled as I hear words of vulgarity, words of racism, words of hatred.” Reading from King’s “Strength to Love,” Samuelson stated, “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”

Outing quoted passages from King’s final book, “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” that predicted a backlash to the progress made during civil rights movement.

“Some of the events of the past year, including the tragedy in Charlottesville, have brought into stark relief the reality that the work of racial, social and economic justice is ongoing and interconnected,” Outing said.

Morganelli spoke about how Dr. King and Robert Kennedy had inspired him in 1968 when he was a 13-year-old.

In his address, Freedom HS senior Isaiah Brown read his favorite Dr. King quote: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Among the clergy who participated were Rev. Gracher L. Selby from St. John A.M.E. Zion Church, Rev. James I. Jackson, pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in Bethlehem, and Pastor Melvin Tatem from Grace Deliverance Baptist Church.

Nitschmann MS step dancers and the St. John A.M.E. Zion Church Angel Choir provided musical interludes between prayers and remarks. Bethlehem NAACP first vice president Cordelia Miller presided over a group singing of “God Bless America” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The Liberty HS Colour Guard was present for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Led by Pastor N. Cherry from the Liberty Worship Center in Emmaus, everyone joined hands and sang “We Shall Overcome” at the end of the service.