African American Churches Celebrate the Inauguration of the First African American President - Barack Obama

WASHINGTON, DC -- The leaders of African American churches will commemorate one of the most extraordinary events in American history - the inauguration of the country's first President of African descent - with a gala celebration. The African American Church Inaugural Ball will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 6 pm at the Grand Hyatt Washington, Washington, DC. The event is shaping up to be a star-studded affair with representation from the religious, business, arts and entertainment communities. The collective membership of African American Churches, and others, is invited to gather to honor the 44th President-Elect, Barack Obama, and the great history and strength of the African American church and its community.

The Ball's theme, "We Have Come This Far By Faith," will be upheld as 25 extraordinary leaders are honored with the "Keepers of the Flame" Award. The recipients are individuals who have an unshakable commitment to our future and an undeniable place in the African American book of history.
Confirmed honorees include:
Bishop John Hurst Adams,
Ms. Donna Brazile,
Mr. Robert J. Brown,
Dr. Marion Wright Edelman,
Bishop Barbara Harris,
Dr. Dorothy I. Height,
Mr. Earl Graves, Sr.,
The Honorable Alexis Herman,
Congressman John Lewis,
Rev. Joseph Lowery,
Rev. Al Sharpton,
Rev. Gardner Taylor,
Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker, Sr.

"We must honor this time in our great history, struggles and strength as well as make a commitment to the future of our community," said Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, II, Inaugural Ball Chair and pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, NY.