First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church celebrates 90 years
By Patricia McDougall
On Sunday, May 17, First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church held its 90th anniversary celebration at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Washington, D.C. The event honored nine decades of service, but also served as the inaugural First Annual National Awards Gala.
Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (D-Ill.-01), distinguished member of the U.S. House of Representatives and son of the late legendary civil rights icon, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, served as the esteemed keynote speaker for the event.
Congressman Jackson was personally selected and invited by his friend, Bishop George E. Holmes, whose visionary leadership and national foresight
shaped the evening into a landmark gathering of faith, influence and leadership.
Holmes serves as co-chairman of the First Annual National Awards Gala, along with Lolita Plummer.
The congressman’s stirring presence and powerful message elevated the celebration into a distinguished occasion that united honored guests, clergy, elected officials, business executives, civic leaders and global partners in ministry, political advancement, community development and transformational leadership.
The distinguished national honorees included D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser; Evens Charles, pioneering entrepreneur and owner of the Hyatt House Washington D.C./Downtown/Convention Center, recognized
as the first African-American owner of a hotel property in Washington, D.C.; and the nationally respected preacher and educator Rev. Dr. Bernard L. Richardson, who serves as the esteemed dean of the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel at Howard University.
The event stood as more than a celebration— it emerged as a national and global declaration of faith, vision, legacy, unity and generational impact.
As First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church commemorated 90 years of ministry, the evening reflected the church’s enduring commitment to spiritual leadership, community transformation, national influence and the advancement of future generations.
All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
Special to the AFRO
Lori Valentine delivers remarks and welcomes the distinguished guests and visitors present.
Tori Ylon ministers through song.
Derrick Lewis performs a solo on the sax for those in attendance.
Shown here, Rev. Roland T. White (left) and Rev. Anthony J. Motley.
Wendy E. Willis performs on her harp at First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s 90th anniversary celebration.
Deaconess Ann Gillard welcomes guests and delivers remarks about the Harold Gillard National Stewardship Award that was named after her husband.
Soyini Richards (left), Prince DaJour and Cerise Turner attend the First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church anniversary celebration in style.
Keynote speaker, U.S. Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (D-Ill.-01) (left) shares a moment with Bishop George E. Holmes, co-chairman of the First Annual National Awards Gala.
Shown here, Evens Charles, recipient of The Ernest R. Gibson National Leadership and Legacy Award.
Rev. Oran W. Young and First Lady Linder D. Young, of First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church, celebrate the congregation’s 90th anniversary.
Maryland celebrates 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
The 151st Preakness Stakes, held at Laurel Park during its temporary relocation, drew hundreds to different attractions across Maryland May 15-16.
Napoleon Solo, who entered at 10-1 odds, won the Preakness Stakes on May 16. My Miss Mo captured the Black Eyed-Susan on May 15.
The middle jewel of the Triple Crown–which includes the Preakness Stakes, Kentucky Derby
and Belmont Stakes–shifted from its traditional home at Pimlico Race Course in the Park Heights neighborhood of Baltimore to Anne Arundel County, Md. The temporary move was necessary due to major renovations at Pimlico.
The smaller-scale event reflected venue capacity while still drawing attendees from across the region and beyond.
The relocation spurred related programming in neighboring communities ahead of race weekend.
All AFRO Photos / James Fields
Shown here, Jockey Jose L. Ortiz, winner of Race #7.
Actor, comedian and producer Katt Williams makes an appearance at the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes.
Nichelle Schoultz, district director for for Rep Steny Hoyer (D-Md.-05).
Janelle J. Jordan, attorney and broker, makes an appearance.
Shown here, Monica Clark (left), Patricia Browne, LaTara Harris, Terry Speigner, Alice Williams and Janelle Jordan.
Dino Wright, founder of Celebrity Boot Black, makes an appearance at the 151st Preakness Stakes.
Shown here, Elaine Thomas (left), Kevin Gibson Jr. and Ava Taylor.
AFRO Photo / James Fields
First Lady Dawn Moore and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore stand before the prized, 36-inch-tall Woodlawn Vase (trophy at left) during the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes. Each year, the trophy is awarded as the second jewel in the Triple Crown series of horse races.
Napoleon Solo, who entered at 10-1 odds, wins the Preakness Stakes on May 16.