Jamaican-born Mark Douglas, the current deputy mayor of Sunrise, Florida, has been honored by the Florida Panthers NHL team in its “Celebration of Black Excellence” program.
For the past three years, the Panthers have celebrated Black History Month by recognizing Black and African-American residents of South Florida who are making an impact in their local communities.
The honorees have included business owners, teachers, healthcare workers, and others, who have shown hard work, dedication, and leadership in their community.
Douglas honored to be nominated
Douglas, a Clarendon native, made history in 2016 when he became the first Caribbean-American and first Black representative to be elected to serve on the Sunrise City Commission. In the November 2020 elections, he was returned to office unopposed. He previously served as Deputy Mayor in 2019.
Douglas said he is “deeply honored” to be recognized as a Black leader in his community.
“As an immigrant who came to this country as an adult, who has served this community in numerous ways including my now public office as City Commissioner, I feel deeply honored to be singled out for recognition of the work that I have been doing in service of our community,” Douglas told Caribbean National Weekly.
“There are many people serving this community but being singled out as someone who exemplifies Black excellence is something that encourages further hard work and service,” he added.
From our archives: Jamaican Lawyer to run for Sunrise Commission
Life before public service
Born in Rock River, Clarendon, Douglas grew up in the Kellits area and is a past student of Clarendon College as well as both the UTech and the University of the West Indies.
He migrated to Florida in 2001 and pursued a law degree at the Florida International University (FIU) College of Law and litigates.
While in Law school, he served as a Certified Legal Intern at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, worked pro bono in the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, and participated in Student Government, serving as president of the Black Law Students Association.
He also was a member of the Law School’s Board of Advocates, representing the school nationally in intra-mural negotiating competitions, and was named to the Dean’s List of scholars.
As an attorney, Douglas focuses on Criminal Defense and Immigration Law and handles matters related to unpaid minimum wage and overtime arising under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). He is also a licensed realtor.
Before entering private practice, Douglas worked as a Criminal Prosecutor in the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office.
Giving back to the community
Mark Douglas has actively participated in numerous community initiatives over the years, often offering pro bono services to those in need and dispensing free legal guidance during citizenship drives in Broward County. Additionally, he has taken on the role of a mentor, guiding aspiring law students and lawyers along their professional journeys.
“It is imperative in all societies that those of us who are empowered and have the capacity to serve offer themselves to the community,” Douglas said.
“None of us succeed without the sacrifice of others so as you take you must give. Understanding also that not everyone has the capacity to lead but every community needs leaders.”
Douglas has served on the Board of four homeowners’ associations and served as President of his community association board for 15 years. He is also a member of the Broward County Bar Association, serving on their Mentorship Committee.
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