celebrate the truth!

Father Michael Pfleger THE TRUTH SALUTE... Father Mike Pfleger: 2o Years of Giving Correspondent: MG Media No one can say that Father Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina Church and founder of The Ark of St. Sabina: A Shelter From Urban Storms does not care about his beloved community. He has, for decades, dedicated himself to serving the people of the Auburn Gresham, where the over 100 year sanctuary holds down under-served community, and does so without hesitation or reservation. He has even put his career as a Catholic priest in jeopardy multiple times to aligning his concerns with the community than the Catholic hierarchy. Pfleger has sometimes been the single driving force bringing awareness to issues like poverty, unemployment and youth violence in the city of Chicago. He has also been a target of street gangs who see him as treat to their way of underground street and drug culture. But overall, he has survived the naysayers and the detractors who says a white man can't change the direction of the hood. Well, for 20 years, he has done just that. And he will be rewarded for his tireless effort to transform the lives of tens of dozens of young people over his tenure as the head of The Ark of St. Sabina. Father Pfleger is also the founder of the Employment Resource Center, the Ark Youth Center, Saint Sabina Social Service Center, Thea Bowman Spiritual Advance Center, Samaritan House for the homeless, Saint Sabina 80-unit Elders Village and the Beloved Community, Inc. As a minister, Pfleger has sought to break down the walls of racism and denominationalism by building unity among all people founded on truth and based on Jesus’ command to love one another. This holy calling has led him to be parent, a preacher, a teacher, a lecturer and an activist. However, he believes his most important role is an errand boy for Jesus! And on Thursday, September 19, the entire city of Chicago will honor Pfleger during a20th Anniversary Celebration of The ARK of St. Sabina at 1840 W. Hubbard (Chicago). This momentous event, Chaired by Mary Mitchell of the Chicago Sun-Times, will also celebrate the work and accomplishments of five distinguished guests: The HonorableJacqueline Collins, Senator, 16th Legislative District; Rev. Yehiel Curry, Pastor, Shekinah Chapel Lutheran Church; Monica Haslip, Executive Director, Little Black Pearl Workshop; Dr. Dominica McBride, Founder & CEO, Become, Inc.; and David Whittaker, Executive Director, Chicago Area Project. The money raised at this event will provide continued support to their after-school program and youth in the community. The celebration will feature many more esteemed guests, food, live entertainment, cocktails and a silent auction. For more details or to purchase tickets, call Jocelyn Jones or Marchae Miller at 773-483-4333 or go towww.thearkofstsabina.org.