Sanctuary Church Bronx honors Martin Luther King Jr. with community celebration of unity and reflection

sanctuary church bronx
Photo courtesy of the Sanctuary Church Bronx

The Sanctuary Church Bronx hosted a heartfelt celebration in honor of Civil Rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday, Monday, Jan. 20, at 14 W. 170th St.

Led by Bishop Dr. Raymond Rivera, the event brought together the Bronx community through poetry, worship music, dance, and profound reflections. The celebration aimed to foster unity while drawing inspiration from Dr. King’s enduring legacy of equality, justice, and love

Photo courtesy of the Sanctuary Church Bronx
Bishop Dr. Raymond Rivera. Photo courtesy of the Sanctuary Church Bronx

Rev. Susana Rivera Leon served as the host for the celebration, which was sponsored by the Latino Pastoral Action Center.

Rev. Susana River Leon. Photo courtesy of the Sanctuary Church Bronx

The celebration began with a warm welcome and introductions by Minister Esteban Rivera, Executive Director of the Latino Pastoral Action Center. This was followed by an invocation led by Rev. Percy Howard Jr. of Sanctuary Church. After a time of worship, Jose Montes, COO of Family Life Charter Schools, delivered a special greeting to attendees.

The program featured powerful performances by Rev. Michele Sweeting-DeCaro of the People’s Church and Evangelist Renee Howard of Sanctuary Church. Additionally, meaningful readings were shared by Rev. Sweeting-DeCaro alongside community representatives Henry Nixon and Daniel Silvera, adding depth and reflection to the event.

Michele Sweeting-DeCaro during her special reading. Photo courtesy of the Sanctuary Church Bronx
Daniel Silvera doing a special reading. Photo courtesy of the Sanctuary Church Bronx

The event concluded with a special recognition of Minister Esteban Rivera and with a reflection by Bishop Raymond Rivera, titled “American Dream/American Nightmare.”