By Sylvester Robinson
Omega men from Fort Lauderdale’s Zeta Chi Chapter and Pompano Beach’s Eta Nu Chapter worshipped together in celebration of the historic 120th Anniversary of Mt. Hermon AME Church in Fort Lauderdale — a beacon of hope for the greater Broward Black community during the dark days of segregation, Jim Crow, and the ominous presence of the Ku Klux Klan.
Moreover, the preacher for this auspicious occasion was Bishop Marvin Clyde Zanders, II, Presiding Prelate of the Eleventh Episcopal District of the AME Church, which encompasses the entire state of Florida and the Bahamas. Bishop Zanders is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Tau Chapter, Atlanta University), and is presently affiliated with Theta Phi Chapter in Jacksonville.
The praying Omega men, led by Basilei Von Howard (ZX) and Steve Rozier (HN), were blessed with a powerful message of faith and hope, wrapped around a call to action — particularly the importance of voting and supporting gubernatorial candidate Jerry Demings.
Basileus Steve Rozier stated:
“It was truly an honor to play even a small part in celebrating the 120th Anniversary of Mount Hermon AME Church. I am extremely thankful for the love, fellowship, and warm spirit of the Mount Hermon family — especially since this is the church where my mother-in-law, Brenda Shelton, faithfully serves, and where my wife, Natay, worshipped before we were married and later joined me at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church.
Milestones like this remind us that churches are more than buildings — they are generations of faith, family, service, and community. Congratulations again on 120 incredible years of ministry and impact.”
I implored Mt. Hermon’s spiritual leader, Rev. Henry E. Green III, to prevent our bishop from departing — as his time is always in great demand — until we could secure a photo opportunity.
Bishop Zanders’ presence brought together the Eleventh District’s presiding elders, consultants, ministers and their wives, along with the outstanding Mt. Hermon choir and congregation, family members, visitors, and friends.
A reception was held in the Family Life Center following the worship experience.
By God’s grace, Mt. Hermon AME Church of Fort Lauderdale will continue for the next 120 years to remain at the forefront of the fight for social justice, equality, and freedom for our communities.
