WASHINGTON (AFP) – President Barack Obama attended an Easter worship service on Sunday in one of Washington’s poorest communities, making an appearance at a historic black church founded during the American Civil War.
Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia joined the 2,500-strong congregation at the Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in the mostly-black Anacostia area of southeast Washington.
The church was selected because it has more than 50 programs that help the local community, including after-school tutorials and food aid programs, The Washington Post reported Sunday, quoting White House officials.
The pastor at the church, which ministered to newly-free slaves at its creation, said Obama’s visit came “at a critical time,” following a drive-by shooting last week that left four people dead and five wounded.
“Just the fact that the president would still come brings so much calm and healing to southeast Washington,” Reverend Michael Bell told the Post.
Last Easter, Obama attended Saint John’s Episcopal Church, a short walk from the White House.
