First AME Church of Los Angeles and Wilshire Boulevard Temple
Celebrate Passover Seder Together in Unity

Los Angeles, CA- On Thursday, April 1, 2010, First AME Church of Los Angeles (FAME) and Wilshire Boulevard Temple joined members of the Los Angeles African-American Jewish Connection (LAAAJC) to celebrate Passover and attend its annual African-American Jewish Seder.

“The mission of LAAAJC is to explore, examine and develop a deeper understanding of each other’s culture. Through sharing values and experiences, we transform our understanding into action to achieve change for our beloved communities,” said Constance Fortune, Chairperson of FAME Church Trustee Board #2.
This annual gathering is held to recognize the shared history of oppression and liberation and to honor and pray for others around the world. The story of Exodus is a powerful motif of hope for all who have struggled to survive and retain their identity as a people.

First Lady Denise Hunter led a delegation of officers and members of FAME Church to the Passover Seder and participated in the ceremony. An ensemble of FAME’s Unity Choir performed a special rendition of the freedom hymn Go Down Moses and other songs of praise. 

“The goal of the Seder is to build and strengthen the bridges of understanding between our peoples,” said Denise Hunter, “and the Haggadah (the text recited on the first two nights of the Jewish Passover) is crafted with this in mind. The stories told examine the parallels between our people’s histories, values, experiences and relationships.”

Each year, the Haggadah is changed to incorporate current events. This year, a time to pray for United States President Barack Obama and the American people was included.

The LAAAJC Seder is attended by community leaders and elected officials.  This year, they were joined by California State Assembly Speaker Emeritus Karen Bass, State Board of Equalization Member Jerome Horton, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Gruel, Los Angeles City Councilman Herb Wesson, Senior Advisor to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Reverend Leonard Jackson, SCLC President Eric Lee, Brotherhood Crusade President Charisse Bremond-Weaver, and Sebastian Ridley-Thomas who represented State Assemblyman Steve Bradford.