BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Through passionate prayer and song, community leaders rallied together to recognize the achievements of local Black women.
The Rising Sun Initiative's “The Story Continues,” a Black history and Women's History Month celebration, was held Saturday at Bethlehem Area Public Library.
Those honored included Emily Nyindodo, chairperson of the Anyango Foundation; Rayah Levy, head librarian at Moravian University and member of the Bethlehem Human Relations Commission and the Bethlehem Area School Board; Veronica Moore, an author and board member of Community Action Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem; Dr. Ann Taylor, founder of Successful Start, a ministry of reentry for those who were formerly incarcerated; and Summer Howard, owner of Film Cakez.
Additionally, NAACP Bethlehem President Esther Lee received a Special Recognition certificate, along with Kari Holmes, executive director of the Rising Sun Initiative.
The awards were handed out by Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds and Janine Santoro, the city's director of equity and inclusion.
"We've lost our way. We now have to commit ourselves to the special education that's occurring now for our young Black and Latino children. I propose that we can, and we could do some surveys and correct the actions that may occur prior to them going beyond second grade,"Esther Lee
After receiving her award, Lee, 90, called on her younger counterparts to become civically engaged.
“We've lost our way. We now have to commit ourselves to the special education that's occurring now for our young Black and Latino children. I propose that we can, and we could do some surveys and correct the actions that may occur prior to them going beyond second grade,” said Lee, who was the first Black woman elected in Bethlehem when she joined the school board in the early 1970s.
“For the women that stood here today proclaiming our womanhood, we need to stand up. And get behind our children. The work has got to be done, so those of you that are younger, you know, try not to be harsh about how life [has] treated you. But believe in God and stand up and get the work done. I've done my job. I'm on overtime. And I'm thankful for every day [God] is giving me now.”
'Help the next woman'
The faith-based ceremony featured moving speeches by local pastors, who read stories inspired by women from the Bible: Lydia, Esther, Mary Magdalene and Deborah.
Pastor Rosemarie House chose to read from the Book of Deborah.
Her message to the crowd was one of female empowerment.
“We have to be a judge first, not judgy. There's a difference … judging those things that are right, those things that are noble. Those things that are of a good rapport. Being that one to encourage and to reach out, not always giving a handout,” House said. “There's so many different revenues, and different ways and areas, resources in the Lehigh Valley, and as a community to where we can get a handout, but what it's about today is giving a 'hand-up,' and what that means is, I'll help you get up, and you'll help me get up. That you may go forward and help the next woman.”
Lack of representation
In 2012, Holmes founded the Rising Sun Initiative after she met with leaders in Allentown, who at the time were organizing the city's bicentennial celebration.
During the encounter, she came across a book written by local historian Frank Whelan and saw a lack of representation in it.
"I say it often, but we need to keep on doing these things. Even when we have programs, we still want to remember to recognize people. We want to continue that...it's like sustenance. We need the sustenance in us to keep going."Ian Holmes
“My siblings and I were born and raised in the city of Allentown. Our mother is of Mexican heritage and our father is African American and I [knew] at least some of the contributions that our family, and many others, made in business, faith, institutions, commerce, academia,” Kari Holmes told the crowd of about 100.
“That planted a seed in my heart to [start] something that would recognize African Americans in our city, in our county, and in our commonwealth.”
Holmes was joined by her mother, Rev. Karen Holmes, and her brother, Ian Holmes, a contestant on season four of “American Idol.”
Ian Holmes dedicated a song to his wife, Perla, and wowed the crowd during his set before touching on his sister's message.
“I say it often, but we need to keep on doing these things. Even when we have programs, we still want to remember to recognize people. We want to continue that … it's like sustenance. We need the sustenance in us to keep going.”
To learn more about the Rising Sun Initiative, click here.
