The Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr., pastor emeritus of the historic Riverside Church of New York, will make a rare West Coast appearance as the featured preacher for a Justice Revival on Thursday, October 6, at 6 p.m., at First AME Church (FAME) located at 2270 S. Harvard in Los Angeles.
“And Justice For All? Criminal Justice and Community Healing in 2016 and Beyond” is a free public event sponsored by LA Progressive, Justice Not Jails, and the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity. The program includes California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential candidate for governor and former mayor of San Francisco, along with a special appearance by U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass.
According to the Rev. Dr. Art Cribbs, executive director of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, “The Justice Revival is timed one month before the national elections to address two of the most critical issues facing the country, mass incarceration and the economic oppression of African Americans.
“Dr. Forbes and Lt. Gov. Newsom bring powerful voices to lift the spirits of people in Los Angeles and call for action. Dr. Forbes has been recognized as one of the 12 “most effective preachers in the English World” by Newsweek Magazine,” he said.
A diverse group of religious and secular organizations is cosponsoring the Justice Revival, including the ACLU of Southern California, African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Ministerial Alliance, Center for Community Change, Council on American Islamic Relations- Los Angeles (CAIR LA), Children’s Defense Fund, Drug Policy Alliance, Holman United Methodist Church, Progressive Christians Uniting, and Ward AME Church.
“The cries and anguish of Black people and people of Color require healing and resolution as well as a closer examination of the justice systems in America and throughout California. “And Justice for All?” dares to ask who is left out, ignored, and denied full access to opportunities of fair treatment and protection under the law,” said the Rev. John Cager, pastor of Ward AME and president of the AME Ministerial Alliance.
“It is time for a Justice Revival and the public is invited to join a movement that breaks down barriers and opens new doors for people who have been locked out and left behind,” he added.