Proclamation Recognizing
Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church for 50 Years of Service
WHEREAS, Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church was founded in 1972 with a name and purpose centered around community building and advocating for all oppressed people; and,
WHEREAS, the founding pastor, Reverend Dr. H. Eugene Farlough, Jr. was known for his devotion to serving others, especially the needy, the less fortunate, the down and out, and those in need of God’s love and liberation; and,
WHEREAS, Reverend Kamal Hassan currently pastors the Sojourner Truth F amily with the dedication of enhancing the spirituality of the dispirited, restoring dignity to the disinherited, and bringing justice to the oppressed; and,
WHEREAS, the Sojourner Trut h Family’s f ifty year journey has included providing shelter and sustenance for the unhoused through the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program, monthly food pantry services to families and seniors, annual edification and recreational programming for youth and adults, Vacation Bible School for the youth and the Peace Camp for children and teens; the co-founding of Making Waves Academy, holding the first Juneteenth celebration in the city, and supporting LGBTQIA+ community members, and
WHEREAS, Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church has not only been there for its members and neighborhood, but it has opened its doors to the Richmond community at large by inviting local groups and associations to utilize the sanc tuary and fellowship hall facilities for various public meetings and events; and,
WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church remained true to its tradition of serving the community through providing food and services to the Richmond Food Pantry, providing support to the unhoused and served with the One Accord Project as a COVID-19 testing and vaccination site; and,
WHEREAS, Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church is to be commended for their continued dedication to community and congratulated on their 50th Anniversary.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Richmond City Council, do es hereby express its gratitude to Reverend Kamal Hassan and the entire Sojourner Truth Family for continuing to advocate for the oppressed and spr eading kindness to all. The Richmond community has truly benefited from the mission and ministry of Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church in Richmond, California.
Claudia Jiménez, Councilmember
April 26, 2022