Immanuel Temple Hosts “Big Deal” Book Signing for Bishop McKenzie
The 10th District Presiding Prelate, National Chaplain of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc. unveiled her fifth title before a captivated South Florida audience
In Miami Gardens, Florida, sitting comfortably in an armchair almost as if she were having a talk with a sistah-girlfriend, Bishop Vashti McKenzie shared wisdom and Kingdom insights with an audience tuned into every word. That was the scene when The Immanuel Temple (The iT) hosted “An Evening with Bishop Vashti” on June 1, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., at the Lou Rawls Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The South Florida launch of The Big Deal of Taking Small Steps to Move Closer to God included a VIP reception, book signing, and photos with the 117th elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Radio personality Tamara Gant from the nationally syndicated “Michael Baisden Show” joined Bishop McKenzie and served as moderator for the evening, posing questions texted from the audience.
Immanuel Temple founder and pastor, the Rev. John F. White, II, opened the evening with a spirited welcome and acknowledgment of the many corporate and local sponsors. He encouraged gathered guests—who bought hundreds of books through online and on-site sales—to share Bishop McKenzie’s latest work with others. “We want this to be a New York Times Bestseller,” White said.
Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, then-president of Florida Memorial University, the lead corporate partner for the evening, was on hand for the event. Artis received a $1,000 scholarship contribution from The Immanuel Temple in honor of the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., who had the largest number of attendees at The iT’s iRep Sunday in April. Leadership and members from South Florida’s local chapters of Delta Sigma Theta, the nation’s largest African-American Greek-letter organization, were on hand to celebrate with their national chaplain. Members of the local chapters of The Links, Inc., one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations for women of color, were also on hand in support of Bishop McKenzie, who serves as their chaplain.
Editor’s Note: Bishop McKenzie’s book The Big Deal of Taking Small Steps to Move Closer to God is available for purchase from the AME Church Publishing House Bookstore (615-256-5882) and other major retailers.
