Gospel commentator Edna Tatum will be honored in a community-wide tribute on Sunday, January 26, at 5 p.m., at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, 4269 South Figueroa Street in Los Angeles.
Nationally known for her distinctive narration, Tatum is currently recuperating after suffering health setbacks. Her close friends, Bishop L. Daniel Williams, Dr. Rodena Preston Williams, the Rev. Dr. Melvin V. Wade, Sr., and Quaford Coleman united to sponsor ‘A Service of Love, Praise and Prayer’ to salute Tatum’s career as well as assist with her medical expenses.
“Due to the overwhelming medical costs, I am urging pastors, churches and greater Los Angeles to rally around this effort. Edna has given her life to this community over the past 30 years for our betterment and it is just right to show her our support during this difficult time,” said Bishop Williams, pastor of the Baptist Church of New Covenant and Tatum’s pastor.
Coleman added, “Edna is an icon in the community. She has been there for us over the years, and now we need to be there for her during this challenging time in her life.”
Tatum’s ministry spans several decades of hosting concerts and narrating for gospel legends such as the Rev. James Cleveland, The Fourth of Mary, the Rev. Daryl Coley, Albertina Walker, and Kurt Carr. In a 2011 Sentinel interview, she shared some of the most memorable moments in her career.
“I will always treasure learning and growing in Christ during my time with the great Rev. James Cleveland. Then, never will I forget performing live narration for Rev. Cleveland at Carnegie Hall, at three McDonald’s Gospel Festivals and continuing to be a guest host each year at the Chicago Gospel Festival which attracts more than 200,000 people,” recalled Tatum.
“Equally memorable is being able to record a CD with the famous Billy Preston. Our song, ‘Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow,’ was a wonderful and unforgettable collaboration,” she said.
Tatum’s reputation has grown internationally through her Gospel Classic broadcast on KPFK-FM 90.7. The program is streamed live around the world on kpfk.org.
For information on the tribute, call (323) 846-1950.
