“A Will to Preserve Black Legacy” Unites History, Faith, and Estate Planning at Mother Bethel AME Church, Featuring a Holocaust Remembrance Day Address by Rabbi Lizzie Moses of Kol Tzedek congregation
Philadelphia Register of Wills John P. Sabatina, Esq., and City Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke will co-host a special community education program titled, “A Will to Preserve Black Legacy,” on Tuesday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the historic Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 419 S. 9th St., Philadelphia, PA. News media coverage is encouraged. The event is free and open to the public.
- “A Will to Preserve Black Legacy”
- When: Tuesday, April 14, 5 p.m. (reception); 6:30 p.m. (program).
- Where: Mother Bethel AME Church, 419 S. 9th St.
The event will unite public officials, civic leaders, and faith leaders in a context of Black history and Holocaust remembrance to explore the importance of wills and estate planning as tools for preserving family legacy, generational wealth, and community stability. During a 5 p.m. reception, Register Sabatina will present a copy of the will of the Rev. Richard Allen, founder of Mother Bethel AME, to Pastor Carolyn Cavaness. The history program will follow at 6:30 p.m.
Presenters will include:
- City Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke
- Pastor Carolyn Cavaness, Mother Bethel AME Church
- Rabbi Lizzie Moses, Kol Tzedek
- Register of Wills John P. Sabatina, Esq.
Hosted at Mother Bethel AME Church — the oldest continuously operating African American church in the nation — the program will highlight the church’s profound role in Black history, self-determination, and legacy preservation. Through historical reflection and practical education, attendees will learn how intentional planning has helped sustain Black families and institutions for generations.
The Register of Wills office will provide educational resources and information to help community members better understand wills, probate, and estate administration. Attendees will also be able to connect directly with representatives from the Register of Wills office and receive guidance on next steps for beginning or updating a will.
Informational materials and resources from Councilmember O’Rourke and Mother Bethel will be available as well as tours of the Mother Bethel Museum.
“This program is about honoring the past while equipping families for the future,” Register of Wills Sabatina said. “Preserving one’s legacy is not only a legal responsibility, it is an act of empowerment and love.”
The event is free and open to the public. It is educational in nature and will not include legal advice or the drafting of individual wills.
For more information about this event, contact the Rev. Billy Thompson at 267-439-9166.
For information about Register of Wills services, contact 215-686-6250 or visit www.phila.gov/wills.