In August of 2013, the Sixth Region Diaspora Caucus (SRDC) held its annual International Summit in Los Angeles, California. Every Summit includes at least one event or gathering that underscores the cultural and spiritual essence of Pan-Afrikan organizing, a reminder of exactly what we all are struggling against our oppressors to protect and build. In 2013, that event was held at the KRST Unity Center of Afrakan Spiritual Science. The event included video presentations, musical performances, guest speakers and exchanges with the audience. Personally, it was my first and, so far, only visit to KRST, but the impact I felt from that one visit was deep and lasting. That spirit can largely be traced to the leadership of Rev. Richard Meri Ka Ra Byrd, the Senior Minister of KRST. He has now been called by the Ancestors to the realm of the infinite, to minister to our community from the other side.

The official announcement came on Wednesday, December 8 from the KRST Unity Center of Afrakan Spiritual Science:

With heavy hearts the Board of Directors of KRST Unity Center of Afrakan Spiritual Science and the Ministerial Staff announce the transition of our beloved Senior Minister, Reverend Richard Meri Ka Ra Byrd into the Ancestral Realm on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Reverend Byrd served as Senior Minister of Christ Unity Center/KRST Unity Center of Afrakan Spiritual Science for 33 years and dedicated his life to Spiritual Principles and Life Enrichment to his congregation and the community at large.

As per his direction, the mission of the Center will continue its operation under the leadership of Associate Ministers Reverend Erica Ni Ma’at Byrd and Reverend Abut Semsut Sa-t Beset.

Calls and inquiries may be directed to the Center regarding details of the memorial and community celebration of Reverend Byrd’s life which will take place on Friday, December 17th, 2021.

We gratefully receive your affirmative prayers, thoughts and gifts as you use this time to reflect on his life. We already know that this loss is deeply felt by many in our community and he would want us to remember to stay strong and to love one another.

All donations and contributions should be made payable to:
CUC/KRST Unity Center of Afrakan Spiritual Science
7825 S Western Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90047
323-759-7567

Cash App and PayPal info can be found on the KRST Unity website @ www.krstunitycenter.org

The first Sunday Service after his transition was set for December 12, 2021:

Join the KRST Unity family this Sunday, December 12, 2021 at the 10:30a.m. Empowerment Service.

Celebration of Life

KRST Unity Center also announced a special Celebration of Rev. Byrd’s life.  Those who are in the area and wish to attend the service should go to the Website links below, or call the KRST Unity Center of Afrakan Spiritual Science at 323-759-7567 for further information:

A Celebration of Life for Rev. Richard Meri Ka RA Byrd

A community memorial service to honor Rev. Meri Ka Ra has been scheduled for Friday, December 17, 2021, 3:00p.m. to 8:00p.m.

RSVP Required

WLCAC (Watts Labor Community Action Committee)
10950 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90059

Please reserve your seat on EventBrite by clicking this link:

Celebration of Life Reservation Link

The memorial service for Rev. Meri Ka RA is open to all.
COVID Compliance guidelines will be strictly adhered to.
Face masks are required and temperatures will be taken.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations and contributions be made payable to:
CUC/KRST Unity Center of Afrakan Spiritual Science
7825 S Western Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90047

Cash App 
$CuckrstUnityCenter

Paypal 

KRST Unity Center of Afrakan Spiritual Science
www.krstunitycenter.org
Cash App and PayPal info can be found on the KRST Unity website
For questions or concerns, please contact the Center at 323-759-7567