FAME CHURCH CELEBRATES NELSON MANDELA DAY 2010

First AME Church of Los Angeles held a special service Sunday, July 18 celebrating Mandela Day 2010 in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Parishioners heard words of thanks from Mandela via a special video tribute and celebrated in song, prayer, and by signing the Nelson Mandela Day Pledge.

“We encouraged the FAME congregation to support Mandela Day 2010 by participating in a series of volunteer activities, and to sign a pledge 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. “We are thrilled by the participation and dedication of our parishioners and encourage the entire community to continue to honor Mandela by volunteering and helping in their neighborhoods.”

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 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. “Nelson Mandela Day is an ideal reminder for us all of the need to volunteer in the community and give back in his honor.”

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, and receives annual visits from prominent South Africans and elected officials.

"Where there is poverty and sickness, where human beings are being oppressed, there is more work to be done. Our work is for freedom for all. After 90 years of life, it is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now."
~ Nelson Mandela
Hyde Park, London, June 2008

"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,"
~ Reverend Dr. John J. Hunter
Senior Minister of First AME Church of Los Angeles.

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.