'Treat each other as human beings': Bethlehem NAACP celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The young dancers moved with rhythm and grace to Cynthia Erivo's 2020 award-winning hit, "Stand Up.”

As the song finished, one-by-one they spun and twirled as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech bellowed from the speakers.

The students, from En L' Air Dance Company of Philadelphia, were among several performers and speakers who received a standing ovation from the crowd during an emotional celebration Monday held in honor of the civil rights leader on what would have been his 95th birthday.

The event was organized by the Bethlehem chapter of the NAACP inside Sayre Hall at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity.

‘A better world is possible’

Addressing hundreds in the audience, Jon Stratton, dean of the historic church at 321 Wyandotte St., touched on King’s legacy.

“He was not only a civil rights leader, but was a prophet," Stratton said. "He was a prophet who reminded us of that clarion call to let justice roll like waters and righteousness again flow and stream. He was a prophet that convinced us that the way the world is, is not how it has to be. A better world is possible. A more beloved community is possible.”

Stratton, who previously worked as rector at the Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Louis, Missouri, joined the Bethlehem church in 2023.

Members of the crowd clapped and cheered as he continued to talk about King's legacy.

“King's movement was a spiritual movement that was founded on the greatest commandment to love thy neighbor as thyself. And that movement is not over, friends. It will not be over until thy kingdom comes that will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And we ain't there yet. So long as police bullets launch at black bodies, we ain't there yet,” Stratton said.

“So long as Black children are expected to live half a decade less than my children, we are not there yet. So long as the capitalist law of love takes precedence over the gospel law of love. So long as racism and white supremacy make their way in the presidential elections, we ain't there yet.”

'An imperfect nation'

Among the political leaders who spoke at the event were Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds, Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Jack Silva, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure, Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta, state Rep. Steve Samuelson and state Sen. Lisa Boscola.

Zoey Bronson, a junior at Moravian University, spoke about racism in America.

“The holistic transformation of the very structure of American life is essential. Dr. King's assertion that America is an imperfect nation necessitates introspection and a call to action. To put our own house on the board, we must engage in the collective examination of our own values and commit to dismantling the systematic issues that perpetuate inequality and injustice,” Bronson said.

“The concept of a revolution of values prompts us to re-evaluate ourselves. It challenges us to shift our focus from perpetuating existing power structures to fostering a society that prioritizes justice, equality, and the well being of all of its citizens. As we stand at this juncture, Dr. King's words serve as a reminder that our pursuit of a more just and equitable society requires a commitment to systematic change.”

'Trust one another'

Following Bronson’s speech, Bethlehem NAACP President Esther Lee urged community leaders to support minorities — whether in business or friendship.

“Just because we’re brown, and you’ve heard me say this before, just because God gave us color doesn’t mean we don’t know what to do or how to do it. I’m pleading with the community today that we learn to treat each other as human beings and trust one another,” Lee said.

“To everyone who is here, not just the community leaders, but other leaders that are here, give Black folks a chance. Let’s see if we can escalate those numbers going forward.”

For more info on the Bethlehem NAACP, click here.