This past Friday morning (5/30/2025), the Biltmore Hotel was filled with the energy of unity, prayer, and purpose as the Miami-Dade Democratic Party hosted its annual Interfaith Breakfast. Attendees included elected officials, party leaders, clergy, and community organizers who came together not just to share a meal, but to reaffirm a shared moral commitment to justice, dignity, and democracy.
The highlight of the morning was a powerful keynote by Reverend Ambassador Charles R. Stith, who reminded us that progress is not guaranteed — it must be fought for, nurtured, and protected.
Distinguished local faith leaders set the tone with an inclusive invocation, and closed with a beautiful benediction.
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Pastor Laurie Hafner of Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ
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Dr. Theo Johnson, pastor at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Cutler Bay
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Bilal Karakira, Chair of the Islamic School of Miami
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Father Frank Corbishley, St Bede Chapel - U Miami
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Rabbi Robyn Fisher, Beth Or
Their prayers called on a higher power to guide us toward compassion, justice, and unity — across lines of race, faith, gender, and background. As Pastor Hafner put it, we were invited to “personalize this prayer in your heart according to your own tradition and belief,” a reminder that while our faiths may differ, our shared values are strong.
The Climb: Langston Hughes and a Message of Resilience
Ambassador Stith opened his remarks with a stirring recitation of Langston Hughes’ iconic poem Mother to Son, which he said came to mind the moment he was invited to speak. In it, Hughes writes:
“Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up…”
The poem became a framework for his message about resilience — especially for those fighting for democracy in Florida today.
“Right now, for the Democratic Party in Florida and across the country, life ain’t no crystal stair,” Stith said.
“But I came to tell you this morning: don’t turn back. Don’t fall. Keep climbing.”
Faith, Work, and the Urgency of Now
Stith spoke as both a preacher and a patriot. He reminded the crowd that faith without works is dead, and that prayer must be matched by purposeful action.
“Pray like everything depends on God,” he said.
“And then work like everything depends on you.”
Throughout his remarks, Stith returned to the idea that America is already a great nation — not because of a nostalgic ideal, but because of its enduring promise and its resilient people.
“America doesn’t need to be made great again,” he said. “It’s already great — because we’ve been blessed, because we are diverse, and because we are dynamic.”
But he cautioned that the country’s promise is fragile — especially for those who’ve borne the brunt of economic crises over the past two decades: working families, the middle class, and people of color.
“From 9/11 to the Great Recession to COVID, the same people have taken the hardest hits,” he said.
“And now, too many feel abandoned. They don’t need slogans. They need solutions.”
A Democratic Pledge to Renew America’s Promise
Rather than focus on partisanship, Stith issued a moral challenge to the Democratic Party: to recommit to the people and communities who once believed in hope — and still can, if we show them we’re listening.
He called for a clear and actionable “Pledge to Renew America’s Promise,” including:
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Pathways to good jobs and incentives for businesses to invest in underserved communities
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Strong public education, that allows all children to reach their full potential
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Affordable housing, starting with rehabbing abandoned properties
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Smarter government, modeled on the Clinton-era “Reinventing Government” initiative
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Tax fairness, especially for those living paycheck to paycheck
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Civic renewal, including a return to the Pledge of Allegiance and basic constitutional literacy in public schools
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A social safety net that works, with full commitment to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and universal healthcare
“It’s not enough to be against something,” he said.
“We’ve got to be for something.”
From Division to Discipline — and Love
In a particularly moving moment, Rev. Stith urged attendees to pray not just for our allies — but for our adversaries:
“Jesus said, love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst,” he said.
“Respond with the subtle moves of prayer.”
He closed by recalling lessons from his time serving on the board of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, and his personal conversations with Coretta Scott King:
“Dr. King didn’t go to Montgomery to start a movement. He went to finish his dissertation. But God had another plan.”
“Our obligation isn’t to start a movement. It’s simply to be faithful in this moment — and to rise up to meet the challenges of our time.”
Better Days Are Coming
The Miami-Dade Democratic Party extends heartfelt thanks to Ambassador Charles Stith for his deeply resonant message, and to the incredible team of organizers who made the morning possible.
Special appreciation goes to Party Chair Laura Kelley, along with event organizers Sue Whitman, Dr. Stephanie Best, Jon Comas, and Vice Chair Carisa Perez-Fuentes, whose leadership and vision brought this celebration of faith and civic purpose to life.
“Hope is not passive. Hope is not naïve,” Stith reminded us.
“Hope is bold. Hope is disciplined. And hope is what gets us up in the morning and drives us to fight for a democracy that delivers for everyone.”
Don’t turn back. Don’t fall. Keep climbing.
Funds raised from the breakfast will go towards engaging and registering voters in Miami-Dade County.
Sign up for email updates, and join us at county and local club meetings to learn how to get more involved.