The Sacred Heart Greenwich community came together, January 17, for the annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Day prayer service. The prayer service honors the life of Dr. King and his lifelong pursuit of attaining equality in the United States (US). The athletic center held the event at 10 a.m. The Gospel Knights and Vision Steppers joined the Sacred Heart community at the service and inspired the audience with their performances. Additionally, Upper School students, junior Chloe Hill and seniors Tiffany Abrahams and Zoe Brown offered a song and reflections, sharing their perspectives following the theme of the Prayer Service, “It Starts with Me, It Continues with Us [I Plant, We Grow].”
Set on the third Monday in January, MLK Day acknowledges the achievements of Dr. King as an activist during the American Civil Rights movement in the mid-1950s and 1960s. His leadership through civil disobedience led to the end of racial segregation and discrimination through the Civil Rights Act in 1964, according to britannica.com. Ms. Marian Campana, Director of Mission and Ministry, Middle and Lower School Theology educator, and the Lower School Social Justice Service Coordinator, commented on the importance of the MLK Day prayer service.
“Celebrating the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an opportunity to honor and remember him and all of his teachings and his distinct, peaceful approach when facing very complex issues,” Ms. Campana said. “This is something as a community we want to lift up and exemplify. Dr. King did a lot for people of color and he continuously stood up against any kind of injustice and he taught us to do things in a nonviolent way. In the Goals and Criteria, we see that same call to stand with the poor and to stand with the oppressed. So, it’s important for us to remember Dr. King’s example if we’re going to try to make change and be agents of change in our world.”
For decades, the Vision Steppers have captivated students and faculty at the annual prayer service with their performances. Their routine portrays passion, empowerment, hope and ambition. The Steppers are a female step group ranging from ages ten to 20. Originally from the Immaculate Conception School in South Bronx, New York, the Steppers travel around the country spreading their mission, demonstrating over 20 years of success, according to visionsteppers.org. In addition, the Gospel Knights sang alongside the Madrigals, incorporating powerful themes into their performance. Ms. Campana discussed what a privilege it is to have the Gospel Knights and the Vision Steppers participate in Sacred Heart’s prayer service.
“The Gospel Knights and the Vision Steppers have been coming to Sacred Heart for close to 20 years and it has become a tradition to celebrate them,” Ms. Campana said. “It almost wouldn’t be the same without them. They gave us new forms of singing and dancing that we are not used to in catholic worship, that type of gospel singing or type of expression in dance. They introduced us to forms of worship that are beautiful to witness and a wonderful thing to be a part of.”
Chloe sang at the prayer service, while seniors Tiffany Abrahams and Zoe Brown contributed by sharing personal reflections following the theme, “It Starts with Me, It Continues with Us [I Plant, We Grow].” Specifically, these students elaborated on what role they can take to bring about change, beginning with little acts of kindness that evolve into something more impactful. Chloe commented on how she incorporates this theme beyond the prayer service and in her everyday life.
“The song, “Stand Up” by Cynthia Erivo, contributes to the prayer service because the lyrics are speaking about justice, equality, and freedom,” said Chloe. “I think that once somebody tries to make a change, it starts a ripple effect where everyone wants to grow together, which is ultimately why that song conveys unity and growth. This theme is important to me because I try to thrive for growth, equality and unity in my daily life.”
Featured Image by Lilia Newman ‘27
