Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Zeta Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for its extraordinary record of leadership, service, mentorship, and civic engagement throughout Broward County.

For decades, the Brothers of Zeta Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to strengthening our community and creating opportunities for future generations. The Chapter has promoted civic participation through voter education and registration, Souls to the Polls initiatives, community education regarding election laws, transportation to the polls, and engagement within Broward County, Florida.

That commitment to service is exemplified by the Chapter's Men of Tomorrow mentoring program, which has prepared generations of middle- and high-school young men for college, careers, leadership, and adulthood. During the past fraternal year, 51 young men participated in programming focused on college preparation, public speaking, financial aid, entrepreneurship, personal development, community service, and leadership. The Chapter's collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters has further expanded these valuable mentoring and enrichment opportunities. Zeta Alpha Lambda has also remained steadfast in supporting important health and charitable causes, including its near 20-year commitment to the March of Dimes' March for Babies and the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

This year, Zeta Alpha Lambda celebrated another remarkable milestone--its 50th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, marking five decades of preserving and advancing Dr. King's legacy of service, equality, leadership, and community.

It is with great pleasure that I recognize and thank the Brothers of Zeta Alpha Lambda for the profound and lasting difference they continue to make in the lives of others. Their legacy reflects the very best of public service, brotherhood, and community leadership. May the Chapter continue to build upon this distinguished record and uphold the timeless principles of Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind--strengthening our community, inspiring future generations, and leaving a legacy of service for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Broward County Morehouse College Alumni Club on its 50th anniversary and to celebrate the generations of Morehouse men who have strengthened our community through leadership, service, fellowship, and a commitment to excellence.

The story of this organization began in the fall of 1966, when a small group of Morehouse brothers gathered at the Fort Lauderdale Elks Lodge. The meeting, called by Brother Leonard Gainey II, was an effort to establish a Morehouse College Alumni Club in Broward County and to build an organization that would serve its members and the broader community. Like many organizations that have endured for generations, the Broward County Morehouse College Alumni Club experienced its share of growing pains. Yet its founders remained committed to the vision of creating a lasting brotherhood dedicated to the ideals of Morehouse College.

Over the course of its 50-year journey, the club has been led by a remarkable succession of Morehouse alumni, including Norbert C. Williams, Benjamin F. Miller, Homer C. Arnold, Jr., Gordon Merritt, Arnold L. Williams, Herman Allen, William M. Nix, Travis Allen, Walton McDuffie, Robert Holmes, and Danny Holmes. Their leadership reflects the enduring Morehouse tradition of scholarship, service, and responsibility to community. As we commemorate this milestone, we recognize not only the organization's founders and past presidents, but also every brother who has contributed his time, talent, and service to keeping this legacy alive.

I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Broward County Morehouse College Alumni Club on 50 years of brotherhood, leadership, service, and excellence, and recognize the countless Morehouse men whose contributions have helped strengthen Broward County and South Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Sunshine Cathedral on its 55th anniversary and honor Bishop Durrell Watkins and Bishop Robert Griffin for 20 years of faithful service to our community. Sunshine Cathedral has served as a beacon of hope, inclusion, unconditional love, and spiritual grounding in South Florida for 55 years, cultivating a vibrant, welcoming community where all individuals are celebrated.

Founded on the principles of social justice, compassion, and progressive faith, Sunshine Cathedral has continuously opened its doors to all people--standing strong as a sanctuary of refuge, empowerment, and equality.

But Sunshine Cathedral's success would not be possible without steady hands. Bishop Durrell Watkins and Bishop Robert Griffin have faithfully served Sunshine Cathedral for two decades, offering exemplary pastoral care, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to the congregation and the broader community. Through their 20 years of leadership in Broward County, Bishop Watkins and Bishop Griffin have championed humanitarian causes, advanced civil rights, nurtured spiritual growth, and strengthened South Florida through impactful community outreach.

The 55th anniversary of Sunshine Cathedral and the 20th anniversary of Bishop Watkins' and Bishop Griffin's Sunshine Cathedral ministry mark historic milestones of transformative service, enduring resilience, and compassionate spiritual leadership. It is my honor to recognize them for these accomplishments and extend my deepest gratitude and congratulations to Bishop Watkins and Bishop Griffin for achieving this milestone.