BETHLEHEM, Pa. —The audience clapped and recited prayers from their wooden pews.
On Sunday, inside St. John A.M.E. Zion Church, community leaders gathered together at Bethlehem's NAACP annual Martin Luther King Jr's celebration.
The theme in 2025: "The Battle is Not Ours, It Is the Lord's."
Community and multi-faith religious leaders spoke about King's legacy through song and prayer.
The original event was postponed from Monday, Jan. 20, the federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. that also coincided with the 2025 presidential inauguration.
The event featured inspirational messages from Bethlehem Mayor Willie J. Reynolds, former U.S. Rep. Susan Wild (D-Lehigh Valley), Bethlehem Area Schools Superintendent Jack Silva, Brith Sholom Rabbi Michael Singer and Liberty High School Principal Harrison Bailey.
Many of the guest speakers touched on the swift change in policies since President Donald Trump took office on Monday.
Also at the ceremony, emotional songs were performed by the St. John A.M.E Zion choir and congregation including renditions of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," "We Shall Overcome," and a powerful solo by Deborah Gaddy of "The Battle is Not Yours," a gospel song written by Yolanda Adams.
'Who could be against diversity?'
State Rep. Steve Samuelson (D-Northampton County), mentioned Trump's action against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the Air Force that have resulted in removing training videos featuring the Tuskegee Airmen and female pilots.
"The President of the United States last week said that we no longer need to study about Tuskegee Airmen. What in the world is he talking about? We're going to erase the Tuskegee Airmen, and also the Women Air Force Service, the WASPs," Samuelson said. "They're not going to be taught anymore to new recruits in the United States Air Force. That is outrageous.
"Who could be against diversity? The time is now. It's more important than ever that we have to stand up for what Dr. King stood up for.
"He taught us about service. Let's serve. He taught us about justice, let's seek justice, and let's do this together."
'Family and students are scared'
Bethlehem School District Superintendent Jack Silva, who has been superintendent since 2010, remarked that many residents feel a sense of uncertainty since Trump took over.
" The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is normally a very happy day in schools. This year it wasn't. As Steven Samuelson said, normally we cherish diversity, equity, and inclusion," Silva said. "But it seemed like the executive orders that came down from Washington earlier this week were really more about racism, inequality, and exclusion.
"Families and students are scared.
"The Bethlehem Area School District will do what's right. We will uphold the law as it exists.
"We will teach history as it is. And we will support our students and families."
'Hearts are heavy'
Remarks from community leaders were followed by a passionate and thought-provoking speech by guest speaker, Rev. Shanise Palmer, of Union Baptist Church in Allentown.
"Tensions are rising and conflict is inevitable. Hearts are heavy, anxiety is mounting. Our present reality is replete with threats of danger, loss, and harm. And the question before us now is not merely what will happen next, but how will we stand and respond to what is already unfolding?"
Palmer referenced a passage in the Bible that describes how Jehoshaphat led Judah to victory over the armies of Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir.
"Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, who was no stranger to a divided country," Palmer said. "Jehoshaphat, who may not have had to face the 47th president, but did receive word of a coalition of enemies determined to destroy him and the entire nation of Judah."
She continued, asking the audience to rely on their faith and prioritize prayerfulness.
" In times like these, we need to make a purposeful petition for justice because we need divine intervention. These are overwhelming, fear-inducing, confusing, anxiety-provoking times. And as Jehoshaphat told God, we don't know what to do," Palmer said.
" King admonished our communities that we cannot allow despair and discouragement to flood our souls.
"But rather, we must resist the evils of racism, economic oppression, and political disenfranchisement and move forward in faith knowing that the battle is not ours, it's the Lord's."
