First AME Church Honors California State Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and Calls on Californians to Continue Support for Haiti

Community leaders gather outside of FAME Church after FAME’s
award ceremony for Speaker Karen Bass.

California State Assembly Speaker Karen Bass receives FAME’s First to Serve Award presented by Pastor John J. Hunter and First Lady Denise Hunter. United States Congresswoman Diane Watson and Rev. Eduardo Vickers look on.

FAME’s First Lady Denise Hunter, Assemblyman Mike Davis and Speaker Karen Bass inside FAME’s Executive Office.

California State Assembly Speaker- Elect John Perez joins Speaker Karen Bass and FAME Board Member Constance Fortune. 

FAME’s leadership team and elected officials held a press conference calling for support for Haiti. Speaker Karen Bass explained Assembly Bill 347 which makes it easier for Californians to give and participate in the relief efforts for Haiti.

“Our community has been well served by Speaker Bass’ commitment and outstanding accomplishments,” said Pastor John J. Hunter. “We are pleased to recognize all of her achievements, and we are confident that the Lord will bless her and lift her up as she moves forward in her future endeavors.”

Speaker Karen Bass was elected to the California State Assembly in 2004 to represent the 47th Assembly District. In May 2008, Bass made history by becoming the first African American woman to serve as the 67th Speaker of the California State Assembly. She is also the first African American woman in the United States to serve in the role of Speaker of a State Assembly. Bass steps down as Speaker March 1, 2010 but will remain in the Assembly until later this year. "Blessings to Pastor John and First Lady Denise who are my friends, and to the church family. Thank you so much for this honor. You have stood with me through my years as Speaker. Thank you for your prayers,” said Speaker Karen Bass.

Many distinguished individuals and organizations have participated in FAME’s special services in celebration of African American History Month. The following elected officials were in attendance at First AME Church on Sunday, February 21, 2010:
United States Congresswoman Diane Watson
California State Assembly Speaker-Elect John Perez
Assemblyman Mike Davis, 48th Assembly District
Assemblyman Steven Bradford, 51st Assembly District
Assemblyman Charles Calderon, 58th Assembly District
Assemblyman Hector De La Torre, 50th Assembly District
Assemblyman Kevin De Leon, 45th Assembly District
Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes, 39th Assembly District
Assemblyman Dave Jones, 9th Assembly District
Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal, 54th Assembly District
Assemblyman Pedro Nava, 35th Assembly District
Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, 20th Assembly District
Assemblyman Mike Feuer, 42nd Assembly District
Assemblyman Anthony Adams, 59th Assembly District
Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Gruel

Following the service, FAME’s leadership team held a press conference urging Californians to continue to support the relief efforts under way in Haiti. Speaker Karen Bass spoke on Assembly Bill 347which will allow individuals and/or corporate taxpayers, who make cash contributions to eligible charitable organizations for earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, to take a tax deduction in the 2009 tax year.

Photos by FAME Photographer Clayton Everett.