Bay Area

FAME Oakland Observes Fire Disaster Anniversary with Gospel Artist Zacardi Cortez

A year after a fire destroyed its edifice, First AME Church of Oakland (FAME) will commemorate that tragic event with a three-day weekend of praise and worship. FAME, the East Bay’s oldest operating Black Church, will honor its 150-year history and officially launch the church’s vision for the future.

Published

2 years ago

January 23, 2024

Oakland Post

Dr. Rodney Smith and Rabbi Mark Bloom. Photos courtesy of FAME Oakland.

By Post Staff

A year after a fire destroyed its edifice, First AME Church of Oakland (FAME) will commemorate that tragic event with a three-day weekend of praise and worship.

FAME, the East Bay’s oldest operating Black Church, will honor its 150-year history and officially launch the church’s vision for the future.

Themed “Up From the Ashes,” the commemoration will be a three-day celebration of service, praise and gratefulness from Feb. 17 to 19.

“I have always believed that this was an opportunity to build back bigger and better, and to embrace FAME’s rich legacy of service and spiritual empowerment in Oakland,” said the Rev. Dr. Rodney Smith, Senior Pastor of FAME. I am overwhelmingly proud of FAME’s resilience and steadfastness to lean on God in this season.”

On Feb. 17, FAME will host a health-focused Community Day at Prescott Elementary featuring award-winning actor Delroy Lindo, local radio personality Cuzzin Dre and other special guests. On Sunday, Feb.18, there will be a commemorative worship service featuring guest preacher Rev. Greg Hunter (Olivet Oakland) to mark the last service before the fire.

At 7 p.m., the weekend will conclude with a musical performance by Grammy Award-nominated artist Zacardi Cortez, who has graced the stage with John P. Kee, James Fortune, Tye Tribbet, and more. Cortez is known for hits such as “Lord Do It for Me” and “You’ve Been Good to Me.”

In addition, the Rev. Jeffery Williams will minister. The evening will also feature a musical debut from Pastor Rodney.

“Despite what it looks like, we know God will give us joy instead of mourning and beauty for ashes! This is a major opportunity to reflect and remember that God always turns everything in your favor when He is in control,” said FAME First Lady, the Rev. Amittia Smith.

Tickets are $65. Limited VIP packages remain. To purchase or for more information, go to www.fameoakland.org