Bay Area

FAME’S Pastor Smith Claims “Triumph Over Tragedy” — Fire Mobilizes a City and a Nation

FAME, the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Oakland, held its first service at a temporary location, Temple Beth Abraham on MacArthur Blvd, after their Telegraph Avenue building went up in flames last month. The temple is just 12 walking blocks away from FAME’s charred structure.

Published

2 years ago

March 6, 2023

Oakland Post

Pastor Rodney D. Smith of FAME, the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Oakland addresses the media after Sunday services at Temple Beth Abraham on MacArthur Blvd., it's temporary location. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

Amidst the music notes of an organ and shouts of “Amen,” throughout the super-charged service, Pastor Rodney D. Smith encouraged his congregation to stand on their faith. He also predicted that FAME, with the help of friends throughout the nation, would rise above the ashes be better than before. Smith’s sermon topic dealt with the concept of liminal space, which is defined as a period of transition. He cited the biblical scripture of three Hebrews engulfed in fire, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednago, but miraculously unburned and protected by God’s liminal space.

“You make sure the history books say, ‘They rose above the ashes and whatever was before, it’s greater now!’ We didn’t give up or throw in the towel,” said Smith.

On Sunday night Feb. 26, fire fighters doused the FAME building with water hoses for over 5 hours. Video footage of the fire, which burned into early Monday morning was tweeted initially by the Oakland Fire Department. The footage went viral, allowing people across the nation to view the fiery flames and billowing smoke, causing the tragedy to resonate beyond the local community. The fact that FAME is the oldest Black church in Oakland further fueled empathy toward a homeless congregation and a piece of American history burning down.

“Family you are no longer FAME, you are now America’s church,” said Smith, as parishioners stood from their pews, cheering in agreement.

Rev. Smith said Rabbi Mark Bloom, Temple Beth Abraham’s leader, welcomed FAME’s congregants with open arms and has offered space for their services through March. During the week, Bloom spoke to the media saying he was familiar with Pastor Smith, so extending the invitation was natural. Rabbi Bloom also expressed that the commonality of the history struggles and abuse of Black people and Jewish people being “othered and ostracized” throughout society added to the significance of the FAME Oakland’s use of the synagogue.

Pastor Rodney Smith said he was grateful for the outpouring of support and is “laser-focused on keeping hope, a bright future and continuity of services for our members at the forefront.”

Smith, originally based in Atlanta, Georgia, began pastoring in Oakland two years ago. “Rabbi Bloom was one of the first faith leaders to reach out to me at that time, giving me a tour of this very facility,” said Smith of the synagogue. “We had lunch and became friends. We had no idea we’d (FAME) be here two years later.”

While FAME will worship at the temple for a short time, they have yet to determine a long-term plan.

Smith also plans to produce an ecumenical service to celebrate Oakland’s resilience. “The building is burned down, but the ministry doesn’t stop. The church is not the building, the church is what’s in your heart. And with our faith, we believe that this happened for a reason giving us an opportunity to bring people together,” he said.

While the start of the fire is still under investigation, there has been some speculation that a homeless person may have started a fire to create warmth. “The frustration is that California and the city have many resources and with homeless people living under bridges and in their cars, this is an old topic that needs to be addressed. This fire presents an opportunity for us to do something about it,” said Smith.

Pastor Smith strongly feels that his church’s tragedy will change the trajectory of the entire city.

Smith said, “FAME is Oakland. FAME is Black History. FAME is strong. Oakland is strong. FAME was one of the first institutions in the area to educate Black people.” He described a scenario that would have made Martin Luther King Jr. proud: The city re-examines itself and billionaires, millionaires, the middle class, the poor, the elected officials, public officials and faith leaders of all faiths rise up together to not only rebuild the church — but transform the community and city.

“It’s going to happen. The history books will show how the tragedy at 3701 Telegraph led everyone to step up to the plate and change everything.”

After Sunday service and a brief press conference on site, Smith was chauffeured to Acts Full Gospel Church of God in Christ in East Oakland to gain fund-raising support to rebuild FAME.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

Help Save North Oakland Missionary Baptist Church, the 2nd oldest Black Church in Oakland

Don't Miss

Alameda County Supervisors Will Allow Tenant Eviction Protections to Expire at End of April: Oakland’s eviction moratorium remains in effect for local residents

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2024

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

City of Oakland Celebrates Reopening of Main Library

“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Left to Right- Jamie Turbak, Director of Library Services, LaTonda Simmons, Assistant City Administrator, Nikki Bas, President Oakland City Council, Shen Thao, Mayor of Oakland, Carroll Fife, Oakland City Councilmember District 3, Harold Duffey, Assistant City Administrator, Sean Maher, Projects Coordinator. Photo by Kevin Hicks.

The branch had been closed since May for critical infrastructure upgrades

Special to the Post

The City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library after completion of critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance the library’s facilities and provide a better experience for patrons.

Renovations include new roof installation, skylight repair, critical electrical system upgrades, new boiler control system installation, auditorium heating and cooling system installation, and improvements to lighting, flooring and ceilings throughout the building.

“This is truly something to celebrate, the reopening of our wonderful Main Library! I congratulate the staff and our partners for this important project to make the Main Library a more comfortable place for everyone for years to come, said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “Thank you to Oakland voters and the California State Library for making these crucial improvements possible.”

“Public libraries are a wonderful resource for our residents, offering a safe space for learning and being,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. “It is critical to improve and modernize our libraries so more members of our community can utilize and enjoy them. I’m excited that the necessary renovations to the Main Library have been completed successfully and thank everyone involved, particularly the City team, who helped secured the necessary grant funds for this work.”

“I am proud of the City staff and project partners who kept this important project on schedule and under budget,” said Assistant City Administrator G. Harold Duffey. “The library is an incredibly important resource for our community members, and this project is an investment into the library’s future.”

“December 2nd was a momentous occasion for Oakland Public Library as we proudly reopened the doors of the Main Library following extensive infrastructure repairs,” said Director of Library Services Jamie Turbak. “Closing the Main Library for six months was no easy decision, as it serves as the central hub for our library system and is truly the heart of Oakland. Yet, this renovation was essential, representing more than just physical upgrades—it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”

The City Administrator Jestin Johnson also attended the press conference and signalled his support for the completion of the record-setting completion of the renovations. Gay Plair Cobb, a newly appointed Library Commissioner said the Library represents the soul and brains of our community.

The Oakland Public Library secured funding for these crititcal repairs through a variety of sources. The California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program awarded the Main Branch $4.2 million. To comply with the grant terms, the City of Oakland provided matching funds through Measures KK, as approved by the Oakland City Council in October 2023.

The Main Library will host an Open House to celebrate the reopening on February 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

About the Oakland Public Library

The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow. Oaklandlibrary.org

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

A Student-Run Group Provides Critical Support Services to Underserved Residents

Those visiting The Suitcase Clinic can get legal advice, sign up for food assistance, receive housing resources, get medical help, or enjoy a hot, fresh meal. They can also get haircuts and foot washes from the student volunteers. Nilo Golchini, executive director of the clinic, said one of the goals for most of the students working there is helping bridge the gap of trust that exists between many unhoused people and the healthcare and social welfare systems.

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

UC Berkeley Law Students help a clinic visitor with legal advice at their Tuesday night services. The Clinic offers a variety of resources, including medical, to those in the community who have little access to these services. Photo by Magaly Muñoz

Part One

By Magaly Muñoz

Every Tuesday evening, the dining hall of First Presbyterian Church fills up with dozens of people eating, laughing and moving from table to table, receiving much-needed services from UC Berkeley students – just a few blocks away from the university’s campus.

Individuals seeking support services can be found in this multi-stationed room on the south end of the church talking to law students, student case managers, or receiving medical attention in a corner by healthcare professionals.

This weekly event is hosted by Cal students through a volunteer-run program called The Suitcase Clinic.

The clinic, founded in 1989, was intended to offer free resources to underserved communities in Berkeley and surrounding cities. The majority of the clinic’s clientele are unhoused or low-income people looking for extra support.

Those visiting the clinic can get legal advice, sign up for food assistance, receive housing resources, get medical help, or enjoy a hot, fresh meal. They can also get haircuts and foot washes from the student volunteers.

Nilo Golchini, executive director of the clinic, said one of the goals for most of the students working there is helping bridge the gap of trust that exists between many unhoused people and the healthcare and social welfare systems.

During their tenure in the program, many of the students say they become strong advocates for homelessness rights.

Visitors of the Suitcase Clinic can receive haircuts and foot washing by student volunteers every Tuesday evening. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

“We’re also standing in solidarity with them. So, it’s not saying, ‘I’m going to help you, but I’m also going to stand with you,’” Golchini said.

Student volunteers get extensive training prior to working directly with clients. Those interested have to take a semester-long class to become versed in areas such as outreach, intersectionality, how to interact with unhoused people, how to sign people up for social services. and more.

Volunteers then get to pick from three different clinics: General, Women’s, or Youth and LGBTQ+.

The General Clinic is the most popular among visiting residents, while Women’s and Youth/LQBTQ+ have more specialized services for attendees.

The Women’s Clinic has many of the similar services to General, but also includes nail painting, childcare, and massages.

The Youth and LGBTQ+ Clinic offers a safe space for young people navigating living on the streets, with services that include housing referrals, wellness and recreation classes and employment resources.

Golchini explained that it’s important for them to keep these clinics separate because the different demographics experience poverty and homelessness differently than those who visit the General Clinic.

Suitcase Clinic student workers posing for a photo with a frequent clinic attendee. The Clinic is open to Berkeley unhoused and low-income residents who need medical or legal service, or a hot meal. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

“We’re able to provide spaces where people can come in and feel safe and not feel like they’re constantly worried that something’s going to happen to them,” she said.

An outreach team also visits encampments every other Saturday in the Berkeley area to provide hygiene kits and encourage people to visit the in-person clinic, if possible.

However, Golchini said engagement has been low for some time now due to a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that allows cities to ban and cite people for sleeping on the streets.

She said a lot of their clientele got displaced to other cities over time, making it difficult to stay in contact with the services the Clinic was providing for them.

But that hasn’t slowed down the students at the Clinic, if anything, it has pushed them to do more for the community they serve.