Local civic leaders joined with the Bethlehem Chapter of the NAACP Sunday, Jan. 26, at St. John AME Zion Church on Pawnee Street in Bethlehem to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday and celebrate his accomplishments.

The crowd filled the church to near capacity.

The Rev. Shanise Palmer of Union Baptist Church in Allentown summed up the general sentiment in a fiery sermon that seemed to resonate with the audience, who engaged in a call and response with her.

Rev. Shanise began with the biblical story of King Johoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:1-17) as a military metaphor to depict recent actions curtailing government programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Our enemies are no longer approaching,” Rev. Shanise said. “They have already touched down on our shores. The sense of urgency is undeniable. The seriousness of this moment is palpable. Our present reality is replete with threats of danger, loss and harm.”

Local civic leaders took turns speaking. Among those present were Bethlehem Mayor William Reynolds and PA Rep. Steve Samuelson (135th District).

“[After the president’s] Executive Order, Martin Luther King Day this year was not happy at Bethlehem Area School District,” said Dr. Jack Silva, BASD superintendent.

“I think it’s really important that we always think of [Martin Luther King’s] words and inspiration,” said former U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild. “Whenever I look at his quotes, I’m just astonished by how powerful his words are.

“But I will just tell you, and I think it’s particularly appropriate right now, that we really think about several quotes from Martin Luther King,” Wild continued. “First, and my favorite, is this one: ‘I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.’

“Another is ‘We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope.’

“And two more that I really think are also compelling: ‘The time is always right to do what is right.’

“And, finally, ‘Life‘s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’

“People often say to me, ‘What should we do?’” Wild said, concluding. “You know, I think looking for inspiration in the words of people like Martin Luther King is something that we can do.”

PA Rep. Steve Samuelson told the audience that not everybody is celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King.

“Let’s call [out] the President of the United States, who last week said that we no longer need to study about the Tuskegee Airmen,” Samuleson said. “I know the new president thinks he wants to do away with diversity, equity and inclusion. [He is] trying to wipe it out from the Air Force, trying to wipe it out from the Federal [government], from the national health [service]. Who could be against diversity? Not us! Who could be against equity? Not us! And who could be against inclusion? Not us!”

Bethlehem Mayor William Reynolds thanked event organizers.

“To be together to tell the truth and to want to be part of a true community and that means bringing people together in a room such as this,” Reynolds said.

Past president of the Bethlehem Chapter of the NCAAP, Esther Lee, issued a challenge to those attending.

“Let’s get to work,” she said.