Dr. Betty R. Price Marks 90th Birthday
In a commanding show of love, honor, and respect, 800 adoring church congregants and friends of Dr. Betty Ruth Price gathered on Friday, Feb. 9 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel to celebrate her milestone 90th birthday. Thousands of more people extended birthday wishes and love gifts to the beloved co-founder of Crenshaw Christian Center and matriarch of the Price Family. In her 50 years of ministry, Dr. Betty has authored countless books as well as founded many service programs including Vermont Village Community Development Corporation, an alcohol and drug abuse recovery program, and she leads a weekly, in-person bible study at a downtown LA women’s substance abuse shelter.
First AME Hosts City of L.A. African American Heritage Month Worship Service
First AME Church of Los Angeles hosted the City of Los Angeles Annual African American Heritage Month Worship Service on Sunday, Feb. 18. Hundreds of members, visitors and guests gathered at FAME to commemorate the legacy of African American history. Pastor Robert R. Shaw II, and his wife and partner, Rev. Ann Champion Shaw, led the service, and Mayor Karen Bass was the featured guest. Pastor Shaw also recognized four ministers who have impacted his ministry. The honorees were Bishop Charles Blake, Sr., of West Angeles Church of God In Christ, Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer of Faithful Central Bible Church, the Rev. J. Edgar Boyd, retired minister of FAME Los Angeles, and the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, former pastor of First A.M.E. Church Los Angeles.
Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church Strives to Impact South L.A.
The desire to positively impact South Los Angeles inspired Pastor Wendell Miller and the members of Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church to explore avenues to make a tangible difference. The church, located at 4126 Arlington Ave., already operates several outreach ministries and even rents space to a local charter school. Yet, the parishioners wanted to do more to help their community. “We know that here in Los Angeles, housing is a problem. We also know we are moving towards electric vehicles and solar is another thing we’re interested in, so we’re looking at ways where we can find financing to provide more for our community,” said Rev. Miller, who added that “more” ranges from affordable housing to EV charging stations and everything in between.
Community Remembers Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Cecil L. Murray
The greater Los Angeles community both mourned and celebrated the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, who passed away in Los Angeles on April 5. He was 94 years old.
The legendary theologian served 27 years as pastor of the historic First AME Church of Los Angeles where he led thousands to Christ and guided Angelinos through the pain of the 1992 civil unrest. During his tenure, thr congregation increased from 250 members to more than 18,000 people. Also, top elected officials, corporate executives and Hollywood celebrities worshipped at FAME.
From 2005 to 2022, he served as a senior fellow of the Center for Religion and Civic Culture and held the John R. Tansey Chair of Christian Ethics at the University of Southern California. Also, he was the namesake of the USC Cecil L. Murray Center for Community Engagement where he created training programs to develop faith-based leaders to transform underserved neighborhoods throughout the city.
U.S. Mourns Death of Rev. James M. Lawson, `One of Our Nation’s Noblest Leaders’
Overwhelming tributes were issued for the Rev. James Lawson Jr., an icon of the Civil Rights Movement and the longtime pastor of Holman United Methodist Church in South Los Angeles, with President Joe Biden saying on June 11 that Lawson dedicated his life to “our country’s ideals.” Lawson died June 9 in Los Angeles at age 95 after a brief illness. Lawson taught the principles of non-violent protest techniques to students involved in desegregating lunch counters in the 1960s and those participating in the 1961 Freedom Rides which challenged segregation on interstate buses and bus terminals. He continued to advocate for social justice and human right throughout his life.
Cross River Supports Greater Zion’s ‘Young Visionaries’ Program with $50,000
Pastor Michael J. Fisher and members of Greater Zion Church Family of Compton received a $50,000 donation from Cross River, a leading technology infrastructure provider offering embedded financial solutions. The donation will directly support the expansion of the church’s “Young Visionaries” program, providing vital financial literacy training to youth in the Compton area. The donation was announced by Gilles Gade, founder and CEO of Cross River, and Pastor Fisher in a check presentation ceremony held September 29 at the church. The event was attended Compton Mayor Emma Sharif, Compton Councilmember Deidre Duhart, former Compton Councilmember Michelle Chambers, Compton School Board Member Denzel Perry, and a representative from Assemblymember Mike Gipson’s office.
West Angeles CDC Opens Wellness Center in South L.A.
South L.A. residents have a free resource to enhance their mental, physical, and emotional health at the West Angeles CDC Wellness Center. During a soft opening reception on Oct. 17, Dr. Belinda Allen, WACDC executive director, and her staff welcomed community members to tour the temporary facility located at 6028 Crenshaw Blvd., in Los Angeles. West Angeles Church of God in Christ Pastor Charles Blake II was also on hand along with his wife, Lady DeAndra Blake, and his parents, Presiding Bishop Emeritus Charles E. Blake, Sr., and Lady Mae Blake. Other attendees included former L.A. Councilmembers Jan Perry and Mark Ridley-Thomas. According to Dr. Allen, the Wellness Center offers a range of free service to address stress, anxiety, depression and addiction recovery. “Our programs, including nutritional management and wellness workshops, promote healthy eating habits and overall physical well-being, which are essential for anyone looking to improve their lifestyle and achieve balanced living,” Allen said.
Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage Showcases God’s Love & Mothers’ Actions
Bright fuchsia banners graced with an image of the late Brenda Marsh-Mitchell and a blue mid-October sky provided a natural cathedral for the Taste of Soul’s Gospel Stage, named for the festival’s co-founder, president, and primary organizer for the first eight years of its existence. Thousands of people enjoyed performances by the Faithful Central Young Adult Choir, the Divine Praise Dancers, Gospel Memorial Choir of Long Beach, saxophonist Darryl Wakefield, St. Stephens Baptist Church, the Sons of Jericho, violinist and composer Lady Z, and more. Also participating were Pastor Greg Tyler and singer Patrick Bolton, who served as emcee.
Grant AME Launches Vital Housing and Health Initiatives in Watts
Standing as an enduring guardian of faith in the Watts community, Grant AME Church, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Timothy O. Coston, Jr., sits on the corner of Central and 105th Streets offering spiritual and tangible programs for the community. In addition to worship services, Grant AME operates a health clinic and educational programs such as the “Watts to Water” program, which introduces inner city families to marine environments such as the beach, rivers, and the Los Angeles Harbors. Also, the church plans on developing affordable housing options in the neighborhood as well as provide support services for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Guess Who’s Running for President of the Baptist Minister’s Conference?
Reverend Donald L. Wilson, associate minister of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, is ready to do God’s work as the new president of the Baptist Minister’s Conference. “My goal is to seek the presidency of the Baptist Ministers Conference to serve as a guiding light in our community and beyond,” stated Wilson. “When I look back over my life and see how God has prepared me for such a time as this—I have the capability to lead people, no matter what capacity—I wear various hats.” Wilson shared that he’s aware and engaged with civil rights, civic and labor issues and within the political arena. He is a community activist with the National Action Network, a member of BCCLA and has collaborated with SCLC, Urban League, and the NAACP.
Wilson is a retired chef of over 30 years with the Century Plaza Hotel from March 1978 until October 2005. “I bring credibility, honesty and fairness to the Baptist Minister’s Conference as a representative, as a president,” said Wilson. “If you check my record, everything that God has elevated me to has been in a leadership position—and I cannot do it by myself. “It’s a collective job, where we work together.”
