The Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, who died April 5, 2024 at age 94, trained 1,000 faith leaders in community development and civic engagement at USC, building on an illustrious career as pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal (FAME) Church of Los Angeles. He transformed FAME into a megachurch that brought jobs, housing and corporate investment into South Los Angeles neighborhoods.
These reflections and stories represent just a few of the thousands of people – politicians, faith leaders, colleagues — Rev. Murray influenced during his years at USC and FAME. They were recorded at various points throughout the last decade, including birthday and retirement parties and CRCC events.
Rev. Murray has inspired and mentored much of the faith-based community engagement work that continues today in Los Angeles, across denomination and ethnic groups. As LA City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson says in his comments, he set the tone for conversations on moral issues in this city to this day.
Rev. Murray’s family requested that donations in his honor be given to Rev. Murray’s Circle of Support to continue his legacy at USC.
