2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ecumenical Service Bios

Dr. Sue Barazi

After retiring from OSHA as an Assistant Area director, I started serving as a Vice President of the Islamic Association of WV for the past 8 years and counting.

As one of the founders of WVIRM that was established in 2016, I served as Past President of WVIRM for 2 years. After serving for 3 as VP of this great organization, I am still a board member.

I have dedicated my time to serve my community. Working with the interfaith community to spread peace & understanding in the Charleston community to break down walls and remove barriers of fear and misconception about immigrants and Muslim Americans. I have conducted many faith-based outreach activities to achieve that goal. 

• Recipient of WV Governor’ 14th Annual Civil Right Award for Humanitarian work 2017.
• Received Healthy Kids and Families Coalition West Virginian of the year Award for 2017.
• Received ACLU – West Virginia 2018 Champion for Justice Award. 
• Participated in “Feminist Crush Podcast, season 4” which is a series of Podcast interviewing 25 women activists in Charleston WV.
• Received Episcopal Diocese the Bishop’s Shell award in 2019.
• Received the Sid Bell Memorial Award from ACLU in 2022 as champion of Justice & peace.
• Currently serving on the ACLU-WV Board of Directors and I hope to continue working for this great organization that strives to defend the civil rights of West Virginians. This is now more important than ever as we see more violations committed against the rights of marginalized groups, immigrants, refugees and many others who cannot defend themselves. 
• Currently serving on Manna Meal Board of Directors for the past 6 years, and I hope to continue working for this great organization that strives to feed the hungry with no question asked. 

Rev. Paul Anthony Dunn 

Pastor, teacher, visionary, administrator, parent, motivator, writer, and servant of God...this is the abbreviated list of the numerous titles describing the type of work you will find Rev. Dunn performing.

When preparation meets opportunity, the end result is success. In the year 2000, a message went out that a shepherd was needed to lead a historical and rich in tradition, African American congregation. God, knowing the thoughts and needs of His people and knowing the expected end, knew Paul A. Dunn was prepared and equipped to do the work needed to restore and build up this flock in Charleston, West Virginia, known as the First Baptist Church.

Rev. Paul Dunn is a native of Midland, Texas and the third child of Rev. and Mrs. Boley G. Dunn. He has been a preacher of the Gospel since the age of fifteen. Formally educated at institutions such as Fisk University, University of Detroit Mercy and Trinity Theological Seminary, Rev. Dunn understands what it means to sacrifice in order to reach goals. He leads by example.

Rev. Dunn served as the Pastor of First Baptist Church for 25 years. The congregation has grown numerically and spiritually over the years. Under his leadership the church has owned a business annex to house businesses, The Mattie V. Lee Rehabilitation Center and has fostered economic empowerment to those who attend. A myriad of new programs that facilitate holistic ministry have been added.

Rev. Dunn is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and very active in social and civic events in the city. He is often sought to teach, preach, and lead revivals around the country.