In commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring influence on faith and social justice, Philadelphia's Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) teams up with Mother Bethel AME Church for a MLK Interfaith Brunch. The event is set for tomorrow, aimed at uniting a spectrum of religious leaders to deliberate on policing and community engagement. As published by the City of Philadelphia, the brunch also aligns with CPOC's mission to ensure accountability and transparency in police conduct.
With doors opening at 9:30 AM at the historic Mother Bethel AME Church, the event presents a platform for faith leaders to share personal encounters with policing, and to explore partnerships with CPOC in serving the residents of Philadelphia. The inaugural Drum Major for Justice Award winners, an accolade celebrating community leadership, will be Reverend Dr. Mark Tyler and Elder Melanie DeBouse, who serves as a CPOC Commissioner. Attendees can expect remarks from city officials and CPOC representatives, with Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. as one of the speakers.
The program highlights include a keynote address from Reverend Carolyn C. Cavaness of Mother Bethel AME Church, with additional remarks by Tonya McClary, Esq., CPOC Executive Director and Ewuare Osayande, Esq., CPOC Deputy Executive Director.
Mother Bethel, located at 419 S 6th Street in Philadelphia, stands as an anchor of the local faith community. The occasion brings special significance as the church becomes a congregation spot for various religious leaders, intent on addressing societal issues related to policing. Anyone interested in media inquiries is directed to reach out to Jodie Eichel, Social Media & Communications Officer, at [email protected] or (215) 685-0891, according to the city's announcement.
