Greater Hartford Community Unites at Prayer Breakfast on Hunger

The Greater Hartford community gathered on Nov. 6 for the annual Multifaith Prayer Breakfast, which drew more than 150 guests. Centered on the theme “A Table for All: Faith and Action to Overcome Hunger,” the event featured keynote speaker Amari Brantley, Policy Coordinator for End Hunger Connecticut!

The program opened with remarks from Jim O’Rourke, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford, and HIU President Sherry Turner.

“It is important that we pray for the wisdom of our leaders and citizens, that we pray for a city and region that are characterized by justice, that we pray for care for the poor and prosperity and unity among our faith communities,” President Turner said.

"For every tradition represented here, we affirm that we believe that our almighty God hears our prayers and that together, our prayers can help to shape a community where everyone flourishes. I pray that this morning inspires us to build a greater Hartford where every table truly has room for all.”

MA in International Peacebuilding students offered prayers representing their traditions. Ramatu Binyamin represented the Muslim community, Maria Christou, Ioanna Kyrkou, and Dimitrios Passalidis represented the Greek Orthodox faith, and Sam Pudlin represented the Jewish community. Other speakers represented the Bahai faith and Christianity. 

Keynote speaker Amari Brantley shared that his motivation for participating stemmed from his personal background, recalling his family's challenges with food insecurity. He expressed deep concern over recent cuts to SNAP benefits and their impact on nutrition. 

“Let's assess what’s working and where the gaps are, so that we can change that. Let’s renew the commitment each day, each week, because hunger doesn’t end after one event, one season, one holiday, or one policy,” he said after presenting extensive data on the issue. 

“Work like this matters because when we come together, something powerful happens.”

Leonard Epps, President of the Brother Carl Hardrick Institute for Violence Prevention, energized the audience with a drum performance. Later, Indonesian scholars in the PKUMI program presented hadroh, a distinctive music of Islam featuring melodic recitation of Arabic texts.

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam also joined the breakfast, underscoring the importance of the gathering. “It is so important in these times to gather in true community that sees ourselves in one another, that sees love for each other, that sees our common humanity, and seeks to grow closer,” he said.