{{brizy_dc_image_alt imageSrc=

2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Award: Pastor Sharon Buttry

This award is given to a member or organization of Faith that has stood up for justice, equality, inclusion, and righteousness. This awardee has stood with the oppressed, the forgotten, and the marginalized of society.

Rev. Sharon A. Buttry, MSW retired in 2019 as Associate Director of Training and Education at the International Hope Center based in Hamtramck, Michigan. She retired in 2018 as Global Consultant for Community Transformation with International Ministries, American Baptist Churches, USA. Rev. Buttry has extensive experience in urban community development in the United States and has led workshops in faith-based community development and trauma awareness/recovery in Poland, Belgium,

Switzerland, Italy, India, Myanmar, Nagaland, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Philippines, Thailand, and the Middle East.


She earned graduate degrees in ministry and social work in Philadelphia (U PENN) between 1992-1996 and was ordained in 1996 via the American Baptist Churches at Calvary Baptist Church of Norristown, PA. Rev. Buttry has been a leader in the Detroit area in interfaith relationships and serves as a voluntary police chaplain in Hamtramck. She was the founding leader in 2006 of the Hamtramck Community Initiative, which continues to focus on positive community & police relations.

She has volunteered with the Detroit Hamtramck Coalition for Advancing Healthy Environment since 2016,

advocating for environmental justice, especially improved public health outcomes by holding industry accountable for pollution. Rev. Sharon Buttry is married to Rev. Dr. Daniel Buttry, retired Global Consultant for Peace and Justice, International Ministries, American Baptist Churches. They live in a house they rescued from blight in Hamtramck, Michigan, known as Hopewell House, where they mentor ministry leaders, house asylum seekers, and are caregivers for their granddaughter Liliana. They are parents of three adult children and three grandchildren, residing in Michigan and Texas. Rev. Buttry’s interests include gardening, painting, and taking people on tours

Honor the legacy

Donate your money, time or both to Michigan United

Join the 3.5 percent moving Michigan forward. Become a member to build people power in your community. Donate to turn that power into real wins in housing, immigration, and economic dignity.

JOIN

DONATE

Recent News & Media

  • All
  • Eastern Michigan
  • Flint
  • Healthcare
  • News & Media
  • Blog
  • Kalamazoo
  • Resistance
  • Movement Politics
  • Statewide
{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
Coming Soon: The 2025 Flint Food Summit
The Flint & Genesee Food Summit is a event dedicated to celebrating the local food system in Flint and Genesee County.
{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
On the next “Food is Medicine” Podcast: Shopping, Preparing and Cooking for Better Blood Pressure Management
Shopping, Preparing, and Cooking for Better BP Management. Get expert tips from our special guest, Nutritionist Quin Shumpert.
{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
MU Healthcare in Flint: Watch the newest Flint Community Webinar
Be sure to watch the next episode of this informative healthcare series focused on the people of Flint.
{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
MU/MUA in the News: the Michigan Advance on our Wal-Mart Protest
MUA-led protestors rallied at Sam’s Club in Southfield to speak out against Walmart’s choice to end its DEI programs.
{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
MU in the News: Kalamazoo News Channel 3 Quotes Our Own Elder Leslie Mathews for Juneteenth
“Freedom is one of the most important things that you'll ever have in this life,” said Elder Leslie Mathews.
{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
MU in the News: “Resist: Juneteenth 2025” in the Detroit News
Read what the Detroit News said about the kickoff of our "Resist:Juneteenth 2025 Week of Resistance" event.
{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
MU in the Streets: Images from “NO KINGS” 2025
Michigan United and Michigan United Action were out organizing and supporting the people.
{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
Grassroots Power in Action: Why Neighborhood and Community Organizing Matter More Than Ever
Discover how grassroots organizing and community building empower people to drive real change, fight injustice, and protect democracy.
{{brizy_dc_image_alt entityId=
MU Saginaw/Bay City Justice Assembly Recap: Community, Strategy, and Next Steps
Last week, Saginaw and Bay City residents gathered for the MU Justice Assembly—a space to reflect, connect, & plan for change. Join us at our next meeting

Help us clean up Michigan politics by signing our MOPP petition!

Join Project 3.5

Help us create change that lasts

{{brizy_dc_image_alt imageSrc=

We want to organize 3.5% of Michigan, tear down the barriers of inequality and replace it with dignity and opportunity.

We use cookies to allow us to better understand how the site is used. By continuing to use this site, you consent to this policy. Click to learn more