Pictured L-R: Bishop LaVerne D. Owens-Larkins, Reverend Dr. Alfred Correa, Reverend Dr. Agnes M. McBeth, Reverend Dr. Demetrius S. Carolina, Sr., and Reverend Dr. Terry Troia
Universal Temple of the Arts’ Staten Island Jazz Festival 35 is honoring faith-based leaders Reverend Dr. Demetrius S. Carolina, Sr., Central Baptist Church; Reverend Dr. Agnes M. McBeth, St. Phillips Baptist Church; Bishop Laverne Larkins-Owens, Mt. Sinai United Christian Church; Reverend Dr. Alfred Correra of Brighton Heights Reformed Church; and Reverend Dr. Terry Troia, Project Hospitality. These Faith Leaders will take center stage to accept well-deserved accolades for their many contributions, which bring hope and joy to residents of all faiths, diverse backgrounds, and cultures on Staten Island and beyond. Their unwavering spiritual support to people no matter their circumstances warrant special recognition.
The late Sajda Musawwir Ladner, who founded the Staten Island JAZZ Festival in 1988, believed that jazz is a spiritual power, bringing energy and creativity to its audiences. For over three decades, the festival has presented NEA Jazz Masters, Grammy Award musicians, and new and emerging talent to promote the richness of the American idiom of jazz. Universal Temple of the Arts is excited to celebrate these community luminaries and this is the first time all Staten Island JAZZ Festival honorees will be comprised exclusively of faith leaders.
