South Florida's Leading First Ladies of Worship Group Photo

On Saturday September 25, 2010, over 720 persons gathered at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa for the ICABA®  Recognition Brunch in celebration of South Florida’s Leading First Ladies of Worship.  First ladies from small, large and mega churches of various faiths throughout South Florida, were recognized for their ministry leadership in support of their husband/pastor, church and community.

A sampling of the 100 First Lady honorees includes: Robyn Preston, Peaceful Zion MBC,(Miami) Mami Kisner, Tabernacle MBC (West Palm Beach), Zelma Siplin, Beulah MBC (Miami), Yvette Brinson, Redeeming Word Christian Center, International (Ft. Lauderdale), El pagnier Hudson, Cathedral of Hope Ministry (West Palm Beach) and Marilyn Turner, Rhema Word Christian Center (Hallandale Beach).  Weston, Fl. based company, ICABA® Media Holdings, LLC produced the Recognition Brunch, described as a divinely-inspired affair that left many in attendance thrilled and honored with its quality and elegance.  First Lady honoree Esther Johnson, 93^rd St. Community Baptist Church stated: “I was truly amazed of the spirit of excellence demonstrated..”

Supporters Cheering First Ladies

Each First Lady honoree was escorted into the hall by her husband and was introduced to the audience as images of the First Lady honorees rotated on six (6) jumbo video screens placed throughout the hall. Family, friends and congregational members cheered as the First Ladies entered the hall.

The Recognition Brunch featured gospel performances by saxophonist Jon Saxx, soloist Cafidia Stuart, acapella group, Resolution, and dancer Chyna Lowe.  There were special presentations from Dr. Carolyn Stewart, VP, Florida Atlantic University, along with greetings and scripture readings from leading pastors:

Jon Saxx Serenades First Ladies

Rev. Dr. Joaquin Willis, The Church of the Open Door, Pastor Wayne Lomax, The Fountain of New Life and Rev. Gerald Kisner, Tabernacle MBC.

The highlight of the afternoon came when ICABA® unveiled its Inaugural Edition of South Florida’s 100 Leading First Ladies of Worship Profile Directory, a deluxe-color, coffee table quality compilation of photos and biographies of leading first ladies from churches throughout South Florida. The directory also includes a history of the black church in South Florida and the role of the

ICABA Directory Cover Unveiling

first lady.  The first lady honorees were selected by ICABA® from nominations submitted by the public on its website, from recommendations from the South Florida Leading First Ladies of Worship Host Committee, and from research conducted by the ICABA® editorial staff.  The directory retails for $24.95 and is available online at www.icabaworld.com.

ICABA Publisher Dianne Williams

ICABA® Publisher Dianne Williams stated: “We are blessed by the overwhelmingly positive response to this project.  First ladies have been pillars of support for their husbands and their ministries and we are pleased that this overdue recognition has been so well received.”  First Lady honoree Clarissa Willis, The Church of the Open Door added: “It was WONDERFUL!  I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day.  I truly felt like “Queen for a Day.”