Monday, January 15, 2018, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted the borough's Annual Interfaith Service honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Residents and elected officials from throughout the borough gathered at Trinity Baptist Church, which served as the event's co-sponsor, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Dr. King’s, uniting in honoring the legacy of civil rights leader’s message of peace and unity.
“This year is the 50th anniversary of that tragic day when Dr. King was assassinated,”said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “In light of the vitriol that comes out of the Oval Office on a daily basis, we can find hope in the path laid down by leaders such as Dr. King; a minister, civil rights activist and nonviolent leader who showed us that we can change the world if we work together.”
Borough President Diaz Jr. later attended the afternoon service honoring Dr. King at Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, in the West Farms area of the Bronx.
“Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church is pillar in our borough,” said Borough President Diaz. “Their efforts in elevating the spiritual quality of life and focusing on the betterment of communities across our beautiful borough very much lines up with the beliefs of Dr. King’s legacy.”
Borough President Diaz finished the day in Brooklyn, and attended a community celebration honoring Dr. King held at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church in Clinton Hill. The event recognized the contributions community leaders make to their neighborhood and their constituents.
United States Congressman Hakeem Jeffries presented Borough President Diaz with an “Excellence in Leadership” Award, recognizing the borough president’s contributions in helping the both The Bronx and New York City continue its upward growth.
“To receive an award on such a day is truly an honor, as we celebrate the remarkable efforts of Dr. King in addressing the needs of the community,” said Borough President Diaz. “I am honored to receive this award.”
