On Sunday, January 16, the Advisory Committee on Faith and Justice coordinated commemorative efforts by the 400 Years of African American History Commission to engage all generations in the 2022 Justice Sunday Service Around the Clock, a compelling tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These 12 Hours of Compelling content include excerpts from Dr. King’s sermons, letters and speeches, delivered by Rev. Stephon Ferguson whose voice is strikingly close to that of Dr. King’s. Each hour also includes excerpts from the documentary SNCC by SNCC Staff Photographer Danny Lyon. Justice Sunday has, for the last 20 years, encouraged Service and Justice in honor of the federal Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday as a day on not off. See the full program stream below, separated by hour!
Calling attention at the top of each hour and throughout to a different pressing societal issue, highly acclaimed actor Ernie Hudson ushers in the virtual participation of a highly diverse level of legislators, national and local faith, civic, organizational, and performing adult and youth leaders in segments dedicated to history, strategy, freedom, non-violence, humanity, education, fairness, respect, sacrifices, rights, equality, and unity. Collectively, participants will encourage 92 acts of service to salute what would have been Dr. King’s age.
The 2022 Justice Sunday Service Around the Clock originally streamed live from the 400 YAAHC website beginning at noon EST on Justice Sunday, January 16, 2022, and continued through 12:01am on Monday, January 17, the federal holiday designated as the MLK Day of Service.
“A CHARGE TO KEEP WE HAVE TO SERVE THIS PRESENT AGE”
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and opportunity for all. He challenged all Americans to participate in the never-ending work of building a more perfect union. The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 17, 2022 will mark the 26th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
HISTORY MATTERS – Hour One: This hour includes the 105 Voices of the HBCU Choir, Brother Cliff Petty and Rev. Chavez Russell, pastor of Greater Friendship Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN.
STRATEGY MATTERS – Hour Two: This hour includes the Children of the Gospel Choir of the Washington Performing Arts and excerpts from the documentary “SNCC” by SNCC Staff photographer Danny Lyon.
FREEDOM MATTERS – Hour Three: This hour includes remarks from the Honorable Albert Bryan, Governor of the Virgin Islands, remarks from the Vice Chair of the 400YAAHC, Commissioner Ted Ellis and a stirring performance by Dr. Wintley Phipps.
NON-VIOLENCE MATTERS – Hour Four: This hour includes words from Isaac Newton Farris, the nephew of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a story about the Indy Ten Point Program and musical ministering from Pastor Marvin Winans.
HUMANITY MATTERS – Hour Five: This hour includes remarks from Pastor Carmen Means, Minneapolis, MS, and musical performances from John Boutwell, and the Bethel AME Choir, featuring Jamarien Moore, a Sunday’s Best Season finalist.
EDUCATION MATTERS – Hour Six: This hour includes remarks from Robin White, Superintendent of the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, the Detroit Youth Choir and Nick Cannon with Kiki Sheard.
FAIR TREATMENT MATTERS – Hour Seven: This hour includes an interview with Philonise Floyd, brother of George Floyd, the Aeolian Oakwood University Choir and remarks from Rev. Kirkpatrick Tyler, St. Marks AME Church.
RESPECT MATTERS – Hour Eight: This hour includes remarks from Rev. Elona Stewart, a Synod Executive for the Presbyterian Church USA, and musical renderings from John Vince and Dr. Wintley Phipps
SACRIFICES MADE MATTER – Hour Nine: This hour includes highlights from the Antelope Valley Youth Justice Sunday program, remarks from Dr. Talib M. Shareef and Courtland Cox, SNCC Legacy Project, and music from FM2.
RIGHTS MATTER – Hour Ten: This hour includes an interview with Sarah Collins, the 5th little girl who survived the 16th St. Baptist Church Bombing in Birmingham, AL, and music from The Shelby 5.
EQUALITY MATTERS – Hour Eleven: This hour includes remarks from Rabbi Adam Rubin, Beth Jacob Congregation in St. Paul, MN and Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin of the Cherokee Nation and music by Angela Hearns.
UNITY MATTERS – Hour Twelve: This hour includes remarks from Rev. Riz Prakasim, New Life Presbyterian Church, Roseville, MN, US Air Force performs Battle Hymn of the Republic and music from the Washington Youth Gospel Choir.
