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 south-east 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 south-east Washington," Reverend Michael Bell told the Post.