First AME Church of Los Angeles Awards
Distinguished African American Leaders

On Sunday, February 28th  Pastor John J. Hunter, Senior Minister, First Lady Denise Hunter and the FAME congregation honored award winning  and nationally recognized broadcast journalist, Mrs. Pat Harvey, anchor of KCAL 9 News, Los Angeles, with the FAME “First to Serve” Award. Ms. Harvey, who has been a member of FAME for 20 years, received a standing ovation for her commitment to reporting unbiased news and information to the residents of Los Angeles and those around the world.
“Today I have tears of joy and thankfulness,” said Mrs. Harvey. “I’m so proud to call myself a member.”

Pat Harvey, anchor of KCAL 9 News, Los Angeles, received the FAME “First to Serve” Award from Pastor John J. Hunter and First Lady Denise Hunter.

Earl Paysinger, Assistant Chief of Police, Los Angeles Police Department was presented with the FAME “First to Serve” Award by Pastor John J. Hunter and First Lady Denise Hunter.

Barbara Warren, FAME Church Member, First Lady Denise Hunter, Cicely Tyson, award winning movie actress and FAME Church Member, Pastor John J. Hunter, Mrs. Mary Kirkland, AME Church Episcopal Supervisor and Pat Harvey meet after the 10:00 a.m. worship service in the FAME Church Executive Office.

For the entire month of February, First AME Church of Los Angeles has celebrated prominent African Americans for the positive impact they have made in the community. A diversity of individuals and organizations from the business, social justice, civic, political and faith based communities have been acknowledged.

Earl Paysinger, Assistant Chief of Police, Los Angeles Police Department also received commendations and the FAME “First to Serve Award,” for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the City of Los Angeles. Mrs. Mary L. Kirkland, Episcopal Supervisor of the Fifth Episcopal District of the AME Church, was also presented with the FAME “First to Serve” Award, and went on to give a moving sermon, “Dressing for Success to Win the War,” during the 10:00 a.m. worship service.

“The Lord has blessed us with exceptional leaders who are inspiring role models to our children, and who are paving the way for them to be tomorrow’s leaders,” said Pastor John J. Hunter. “We recognize their achievements and proudly salute the tremendous contributions they continue to make.”

Photos by FAME Photographer Clayton Everett.