PHILADELPHIA, PA – January 20, 2026 − Senator Sharif Street, community, faith, and civic leaders gathered at the Beckett Life Center for the Reverend Marguerite Handy Interfaith Breakfast over Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. A meaningful morning of prayer, reflection, and unity honoring the legacy of Reverend Marguerite Handy and the vital role of interfaith collaboration in strengthening Philadelphia’s communities.
Moderated by Senator Street, he welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of faith-based leadership in addressing community challenges and fostering understanding across diverse traditions. The program opened with an invocation by Pastor Darnell Deans, followed by a meal blessing offered by Imam Quaiser Abdullah, reflecting the spirit of interfaith cooperation at the heart of the gathering.
Senator Sharif Street delivered remarks highlighting Reverend Handy’s enduring legacy of service and the continued need for collaboration between faith leaders, elected officials, and community organizations. Joining Senator Street were several elected and public officials, including State Representative Gina Curry (164th District), State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta (181st District), State Representative Darisha Parker (198th District), State Representative Andre Carroll (201st District), Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, Assata Thomas, Executive Director of the Division of Reentry, Douglas Clarke, Reverend Handy’s son, Councilmember Rue Landau (At-Large), and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.
The program concluded with a benediction by Dr. Damone B. Jones, Sr. of Bible Way Baptist Church, sending attendees forward with a message of unity, service, and collective responsibility.
The Reverend Marguerite Handy Interfaith Breakfast was supported by a broad coalition of partners, including the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, the Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based & Interfaith Affairs, the Mayor’s Office of Muslim Engagement, Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity, Baptist Pastors & Ministers Conference, Philadelphia Council of Clergy Global, Inc., AME Ministerial Alliance of Philadelphia & Vicinity, Ardella’s House, City of Philadelphia, Office of Public Safety, Division of Reentry and Thornbury AME Church of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania.
“This breakfast is a reminder that our faith communities play a critical role in bringing people together, uplifting our neighborhoods, and guiding us toward justice and compassion,” said Senator Sharif Street. “Honoring Reverend Marguerite Handy means continuing the tradition that started with my father and the work of unity, service, and shared purpose.”
The event reinforced the importance of interfaith dialogue and partnership as essential tools for building stronger, more connected communities throughout Philadelphia. After the breakfast a small group visited the Philadelphia Department of Prisons on State Road and were joined by State Representative Jordan Harris (186th District).
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