FAME

First AME Church of Los Angeles will host a special commemoration to
celebrate Mandela’s legacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - First AME Church of Los Angeles will hold a special service Sunday, July 18, 2010 celebrating Mandela Day 2010 in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Last November, the United Nations declared Nelson Mandela’s birthday, the Nelson Mandela International Day, as a call to action for people in every corner of the world to embrace the values that have embodied Nelson Mandela’s life – democracy; equality; reconciliation; diversity; responsibility; respect and freedom and to make a difference in the places where they live and work

The Congregation will celebrate Mandela Day 2010 in song, prayer, and by signing the Nelson Mandela Day Pledge. The congregation will hear words of thanks from former South African President Nelson Mandela, for participating in Mandela Day, via a special video tribute. Church Officials are inviting the public to join in the celebration by coming to the church and signing the Mandela Day Pledge.

“We are encouraging everyone to support Mandela Day 2010 and to participate in a series of volunteer activities, and to give 67 minutes of volunteer time to symbolize over 67 years of Mandela's extraordinary service to social causes," said the Reverend Dr. John J. Hunter, Senior Minister of First AME Church of Los Angeles.

The U.N. declaration acknowledges Mandela’s "leading role in and support for Africa's struggle for liberation and Africa's unity, and his outstanding contribution to the creation of a non-racial, non-sexist democratic South Africa.” It also acknowledges Mandela’s "contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and in the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world,” said Denise Hunter, First Lady of First AME Church Los Angeles.

First AME Church of Los Angeles was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first visit to Los Angeles after he was freed from prison. Images of Mandela’s visit are depicted on a special collage in the Church’s Plaza. Congregants of the First AME Church fought apartheid by boycotting Shell Oil and other companies doing business with South Africa during the apartheid era. The church celebrated his freedom on the night he was released from prison at the historic First AME Church Allen House.

The Church receives annual visits from prominent South Africans and elected officials. President Jacob Zuma, as the former Vice President of South Africa, visited the church and thanked the congregation for its support. President Mandela’s daughter Zinzi has also visited the church on special occasions.

You are listening to the FAME Freedom Mass Choir sing "Liberty". The FAME Freedom Mass Choir performed this song for a freed Nelson Mandela during his visit to Los Angeles. Written by Joe K. Westmoreland and Charles May.

WHEN:
Sunday, July 18, 2010
at 8:00am, 10:00am
12 noon

WHERE:
First AME Church of Los Angeles
2270 South Harvard Boulevard
Los Angele, California 90018

ALL ARE WELCOME!