Just over 1500 gather to celebrate

On Saturday, May 2, 2009, the Unity Prayer Breakfast hosted by Mayor A C Wharton truly lived up to its billing as a unity event by gathering just over 1500 citizens from across Memphis and Shelby County. Although rain punctuated the day, the spirit of the day and the enthusiasm of those participating were in no way dampened. In fact, the diversity of the attendees, the soaring musical renditions from the Unity Choir, and the prayers and words of local pastors conspired to create a perfect storm of inspiration that overshadowed the showers.

Dr. Fred Bennett, founder of Christ the Rock Church, offered a heartfelt introduction of Mayor Wharton that drew on their years of association and his personal knowledge of Wharton’s heart for service.

In his remarks to the full audience, the Mayor stressed the importance of us finding more ways and opportunities to work together in addressing common problems.  And while the comments from Mayor Wharton and all of the program participants helped to lift the spirit, the day’s greatest inspiration came from the crowd whose diversity and togetherness truly reflected the unity in the word, definition, and at the heart of community.