Florida Panthers honors two Jamaican-Americans in ‘Celebration of Black Excellence’ series

In celebration of Black History Month, the Florida Panthers ice hockey team has highlighted two Jamaican-Americans among a list of Black “standout” residents serving the South Florida community.

The team posted its third edition of the ‘Celebration of Black Excellence’ series presented by Amazon which recognizes South Florida community members “going above and beyond.”

Among the list of five standouts included Jamaican-American Broward Commissioner Hazelle P. Rogers and Sunrise Deputy Mayor Mark Douglas.

“From Black executives, and owners to educators, producers, and healthcare workers, the ‘Celebration of Black Excellence’ series recognizes individuals who were nominated by colleagues, friends, family, and more for serving the South Florida community,” the team said.

Mark Douglas

Of Mark Douglas, the Florida Panthers said: Commissioner Mark A. Douglas is a Litigation Attorney for over 17 years. He graduated from the Florida International University College of Law and litigates throughout the State of Florida, including in all three Federal Districts. He focuses on Criminal Defense, Immigration Law and handles matters related to unpaid minimum wage and overtime arising under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration with honors from the University of Technology Jamaica and has been a licensed Realtor for over 18 years. Before being elected to the City Commission, Commissioner Douglas was a member of the Broward County Consumer Protection Board, the City of Sunrise Economic Development Advisory Board, the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board which he chaired, and the City’s Board of Zoning Adjustment. He was first elected in 2016 and was the first minority be elected to, or otherwise serve on the City Commission. Since 2018 he has been the City’s representative on the Board of the Broward League of Cities. At the national level, Commissioner Douglas has served since 2018 on the National League of Cities’ Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations Federal Advocacy Committee, which he Chaired in 2020/2021. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust. He and his family have resided in Sunrise since 2001. ​

Read more: Sunrise Deputy Mayor Mark Douglas honored by Florida Panthers ‘Celebration of Black Excellence’ program

Hazelle Rogers

Of Hazelle Rogers, the Florida Panthers said: Commissioner Hazelle P. Rogers, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, has had a distinguished political career spanning over two decades. She began her journey in Broward County in 1996 as the sole woman on the Lauderdale Lakes City Commission, serving for 12 years. In 2004, she was appointed President of the Broward League of Cities, representing 31 municipalities. In 2008, she made history as the first English-speaking Caribbean-American elected to the State Legislature, representing the Southeastern United States. She became the first Jamaican and second person from the English-speaking Caribbean to serve in the Florida House of Representatives, serving a total of four terms. After serving in the Florida Legislature, Commissioner Rogers returned to Lauderdale Lakes as Mayor and was later elected Broward County Commissioner in 2022, representing parts of Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Lauderhill, Sunrise, Lauderdale Lakes, and the City of Plantation. Her commitment to public service has been driven by a passion for representation and making a positive impact in her community.​

Read more: City of Lauderhill Proclaims Sept. 29 ‘Mayor Hazelle Rogers Day’, Salute to her Distinguished Jamaican National Honor

The list also includes Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor & Commissioner Pamela Beasley-Pittman; U.S. Navy Reserve Commander & Senior Counsel at Elevance Health​ Randy Stoker; and Associate Dean at Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law​ Olympia Duhart.