The event, held at McCoy Memorial Baptist Church, drew together a coalition of African American and Latino community members, representing dozens of local groups who have been staunch supporters of the respected local politician who has represented District 9 since 2013. The service included a candlelight vigil and the participation of more than a dozen Black and Brown clergy members, who united together in response to charges brought against Price by the District Attorney’s Office earlier this year.
“We believe and know the power of prayer. The spirit was in the house and people of Council District 9 were moved as they stood unwaveringly in support of our great Councilman,” said Pastor Shep Crawford, of the EXPERIENCE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES (ECM), who served as the moderator. “The Councilman is not alone. He’s surrounded by individuals of light. Councilmember Price has people of love around him, and people of God going to battle for him.”
Despite the allegations, Councilman Price has consistently proclaimed his innocence and strongly refutes any wrongdoing, describing the charges as “unwarranted.”
“God, we bring the Councilman and his family before your throne of grace. Whenever we follow Jesus and spread light, we know the forces of darkness have to come against us,” said Rev. Joyce Reece Kitchen, of Emmanuel H.M. Turner AME Church, during the service. “We speak life over the Councilman, his family, over the work of his hands – we speak life. But at the same time we’re speaking life over him, we speak death over false charges.”
“Prayers for the Ninth” was being held ahead of the Councilmember’s upcoming court appearance on Friday, Dec. 15. Last month, his legal defense team filed a demurrer, challenging the validity of the prosecutor’s Complaint.
The special service featured prayers, songs, and messages of hope from prominent religious leaders, including Pastor William Smart, President and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) of Southern California; Pastor Dr. Joseph Benjamin Hardwick, President of the Western Baptist State Convention (WSBC); and husband and wife team, Pastors Javier and Cynthia Buelna of RTLA Church, as well as Pastor K.W. Tulloss, President of the Baptist Ministers Conference.
“This man here attends all of the churches in his District. He’s not the type of politician that will tip toe out. He’ll stay, he’ll give, he’ll pledge. That’s just the type of Councilmember that we have. That’s why we are here today,” said Pastor Tulloss. “We are here to stand with you … we know God will preserve you, keep you, and protect you. We will be with you every step of the way, Councilmember.”
The Councilmember has set up a Legal Defense Fund to effectively respond to the misguided charges brought up against him. During the service, Pastor Hardwick pledged to assist him in pursuing justice.
“Curren, I know this is not the end, I wish that it was. But should you need some backing, something that we call money, I pledge $35,000,” stated Pastor Hardwick. “God bless you, God keep you and I will stand with you as long as there is a place to stand.”
