Ebenezer Church Members Celebrate Sonia Sanchez’s 90th Birthday
Ebenezer Church, a vital part of the Philadelphia community, is renowned not only for its spiritual leadership but also for its extensive involvement in health, wellness, and cultural initiatives. Under the leadership of Pastor Michael W. Dyson, the church has consistently served as a beacon of hope and transformation, offering essential services like Black Doctor’s Row, Alzheimer’s education sessions, and mental health workshops such as MindFit. These initiatives, alongside prayer walks and numerous in-house events, reflect Ebenezer’s commitment to holistic community care.
One of the church’s most notable partnerships is with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. This partnership was highlighted ten years ago when Ebenezer’s parking lot became the home to a mural from the "Peace is a Haiku Song" project, created by the legendary poet, activist, and educator, Sonia Sanchez. This mural not only honors Sanchez’s remarkable contributions to literature and peace advocacy but also serves as a symbol of urban transformation through art.
In 2024, Ebenezer and Mural Arts joined forces once again to celebrate Sanchez’s 90th birthday. On September 24, 2024, the church hosted an event commemorating this milestone, which was part of a city-wide celebration honoring Sanchez’s lifetime of work. As part of the festivities, the community gathered at Ebenezer to reflect on Sanchez’s profound impact, not just through her poetry, but through her activism and dedication to education.
Sonia Sanchez, an iconic figure in American literature, has been a champion for civil rights, Black liberation, and the empowerment of marginalized voices. Her mastery of the haiku form, in particular, has been a unique aspect of her legacy. Sanchez believes that the structure of haiku—its brevity and focus on nature, peace, and mindfulness—can be a powerful vehicle for fostering peace and reflection. In 2014, her collaboration with Mural Arts resulted in the "Peace is a Haiku Song" mural, which graces the walls of Ebenezer Church’s property. This mural serves as both a cultural landmark and a reminder of the potential for art to inspire non-violence and serenity in urban spaces.
Ebenezer’s involvement in this celebration is a testament to its ongoing dedication to both spiritual and cultural enrichment. The church’s community work, ranging from historical initiatives like Black Doctor’s Row to educational programs on Alzheimer’s and mental health, aligns seamlessly with Sanchez’s own dedication to healing and empowerment. Through these efforts, Ebenezer Church continues to uplift the people of Philadelphia, offering spaces for reflection, wellness, and artistic expression.
Ebenezer Church and its partners in the Mural Arts Philadelphia initiative invited the community to join in honoring a woman whose work has had a lasting impact on both the local and national stage. This event not only acknowledges Sanchez’s past contributions but also reinforces the ongoing work of transforming communities through art, education, and service.
For Pastor Dyson and the congregation at Ebenezer, the event is another step in their mission to serve the whole person—spirit, mind, and body—while celebrating the rich cultural heritage that strengthens their community.
Submitted by Lisa Tynes
