Past, Present, and Promise

On May 12, 2026, the sanctuary of Clinton Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church was filled with excitement, reverence, and holy expectation as Zionites gathered from across the Connection to officially launch the 150th Anniversary Celebration of The Star of Zion. The adopted agenda was prayer and worship; the posture of the people was purposeful praise.

Bishop Anthony N. Witherspoon, Chair of the A.M.E. Zion Communications Department, welcomed worshipers by declaring, “Tonight, we do more than commemorate a publication; we honor a sacred and enduring legacy of truth, witness, advocacy, connection, and Kingdom communication that has strengthened and informed the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church for generations.” For a century and a half, The Star of Zion has preserved our history, amplified our witness, and shone consistently across the Connection.

The evening continued with a powerful spoken-word presentation by Bishop Daran H. Mitchell (Presiding Prelate, Midwest Episcopal District), who articulated the indelible impact of The Star of Zion over the years. His offering did more than document the climate in which this resilient periodical was conceived; it also spoke to the cultural and societal conditions in which it was birthed, nurtured, and developed. What began as a single printed periodical has progressively become the multifaceted multimedia platform through which Zion engages the world today.

Rev. Dr. Reginald Broadnax (Editor, A.M.E. Zion Quarterly Review), known across ecumenical lines for his scholarship and commitment to history, offered the Occasion. His historical account chronicled The Star of Zion’s growth from a monthly publication into the expansive communications ministry it is today. Through changing times and advancing technologies, The Star has moved from ink and paper to digital platforms, video broadcasting, and global engagement - preserving Zion’s history, proclaiming its present witness, and positioning its promise for generations yet to come.

In tribute, Bishop Eric L. Leake, Presiding Prelate of the South Atlantic Episcopal District, celebrated The Star of Zion for “150 years of legacy and lasting leadership in publishing news across the A.M.E. Zion Church.” His personal witness reflected the breadth of The Star’s reach across generations. “I remember my first encounter with The Star of Zion when it was published weekly by Dr. M. B. Robinson,” he shared. “Every week I looked forward to seeing what was happening in the A.M.E. Zion Church.” His words magnified the validity of 150 years of connectional communication, stretching from the Missionary Generation to Generation Beta. Our beloved Zion has a legacy that is long, lasting, and luminous, and The Star of Zion continues to cast that synergized light around the globe.

Celebratory music adorned the worship experience as Rev. Deanna Daniel, pastor of Oak Grove A.M.E. Zion Church, led the congregation in music ministry that continually pointed worshipers to the God who has sustained us. Her rendition of “The Goodness of God” stirred hearts toward reflection and lifted the room into corporate praise. As she lifted her voice in song, worshipers lifted their voices in gratitude, and the atmosphere shifted from glory to glory.

One of the most memorable moments of the 150th Anniversary Kickoff Prayer and Worship Service was the presentation of the inaugural StarLight Award, a new recognition established by The Star of Zion to honor individuals whose faithful service has left a lasting imprint on Zion and the communities they serve.

The first recipient, Rev. Dr. Ralph E. Williamson, pastor of Clinton Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, was recognized for his dedicated leadership, steadfast ministry, and unwavering commitment to both the church and the broader community. Although Pastor Williamson was unable to be present to receive the award personally, Presiding Elder Andrew B. Smoke graciously accepted the honor on his behalf during the service.

The celebration continued beyond the anniversary gathering when The Star of Zion Editor, Bro. Darin Kent, later returned to Clinton Chapel to personally present the award and deliver the love offering collected during the worship service. Through the generosity of attendees and supporters, more than $1,000 was presented to Clinton Chapel as an expression of appreciation for Pastor Williamson’s faithful service and the congregation’s ongoing ministry.

The StarLight Award served as a fitting reminder of the countless individuals whose dedication has helped shape the witness and legacy of Zion. As The Star of Zion continues its 150th Anniversary Celebration throughout the year, additional faithful servants will be recognized for their contributions to the church, their communities, and the Kingdom of God. In honoring those who have faithfully carried the light of Christ, The Star of Zion reflects upon its rich heritage while celebrating the living testimony of service that continues to illuminate Zion’s present and inspire its future.

Bro. Darin Kent, Chief Communications Officer and Editor-in-Chief of The Star of Zion, continues to cast a vision that credits our past, celebrates our present, and confidently claims God’s promise concerning our future. “From the founding editor’s printed periodical to today’s multimedia ecosystem,” he said, “The Star of Zion continues to evolve while faithfully serving as the voice and record of our beloved Zion.”

Happy birthday, Star of Zion, and congratulations, Zion, on 150 years of consistent, connectional communication.