“The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.”
Senator Edward M. Kennedy
1932-2009

LOS ANGELES, CA – Pastor John J. Hunter and First Lady Denise Hunter and the congregation of First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles, offer heartfelt condolences to Kennedy family in their great loss of their beloved family patriarch, Senator Ted Kennedy.  Senator Kennedy died Tuesday August 25, 2009 at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 77. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy Family. Senator Kennedy was a dedicated advocate for all Americans,” Pastor John J. Hunter said.

Senator Ted Kennedy was most known to the world as the Lion of the Senate; he was a champion advocate in the struggle for healthcare reform, and an extraordinary political leader. His extensive legacy in public service to date is unmatched. While we are deeply saddened by this significant loss to all who have devoted themselves to social justice, we remain vigilant in honoring him by continuing his work.

Senator Ted Kennedy was the younger brother of slain President John F. Kennedy and New York Sen. Robert Kennedy, both are depicted in the stained glass windows in the historic sanctuary of First AME Church of Los Angeles.

Senator Kennedy played a vital role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Senator Ted Kennedy is survived by his beloved wife, Victoria Ann Reggie Kennedy and five children.  He was the uncle to California’s First Lady Maria Shriver and was the brother to Eunice Kennedy Shriver who passed away on Tuesday August 11, 2009 at the age of 88.
                     
The United States Flag flying over FAME Renaissance will be lowered to half-staff in tribute to his extraordinary life and a memorial floral arrangement will be laid at the Kennedy Stained Glass Window in the historic sanctuary of First AME Church of Los Angeles.

Senator
Edward M. Kennedy
1932-2009