A9 The Afro-American May 23, 2026 - May 29, 2026
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church celebrates 90 years By Patricia McDougall Special to the AFRO 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
Tori Ylon ministers through song.
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
Lori Valentine delivers remarks and welcomes the distinguished guests and visitors present.
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.
Rev. Oran W. Young and First Lady Linder D. Young, of First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church, celebrate the congregation’s 90th anniversary.
Shown here, Rev. Roland T. White (left) and Rev. Anthony J. Motley.
Soyini Richards (left), Prince DaJour and Cerise Turner attend the First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church anniversary celebration in style.
Derrick Lewis performs a solo on the sax for those in attendance.
Shown here, Evens Charles, recipient of The Ernest R. Gibson National Leadership and Legacy Award.
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.
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