More than 200 members of Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Marching “100” performed outside of First AME Church of Los Angeles on Dec. 30, prior to their scheduled January 1 performance in the Tournament of Roses Parade.
The band’s event at FAME was one of nine scheduled performances prior to the Rose Parade. The band’s trip to Los Angeles was assisted by Los Angeles-based philanthropists and FAMU alumna Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, who were among hundreds of worshippers and community members – including former FAME Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, a FAMU alum, watching the parade on a special telecast from inside the church.
Citations were presented by FAME Pastor J. Edgar Boyd to Larry Robinson, PhD, FAMU president; Shelby Chipman, PhD, FAMU’s director of Bands; and the Kinseys, on behalf of the Los Angeles City Council, Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson and FAME Church.