Immediate Release
Lauderhill, FL
February 3, 2026

City of Lauderhill to Honor Community Leaders at Heroes of Change Black History Month Recognition

Lauderhill, FL (February 3, 2026) – The City of Lauderhill will host Lauderhill’s Heroes of Change, a Black History Month recognition honoring outstanding individuals whose leadership, service, and impact have helped shape and uplift the Lauderhill community.

Monday, February 9, 2026
Reception: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Recognition Ceremony: 6:00 PM (during the City Commission Meeting)

Lauderhill City Hall - 5581 W. Oakland Park Boulevard, Lauderhill, FL
(Reception held prior to the City Commission Meeting; recognition takes place in the City Hall Chambers.)

The City of Lauderhill proudly recognizes the following Heroes of Change:

• Dr. Hayward J. Benson, Jr. – First Black Commissioner of Lauderhill
• Andrea Braynon – Chief Financial Officer, ELC of Broward County, Inc.
• Willie Mae Cooper – Community leader, civic contributor, and President of the West Ken Lark Homeowners Association
• Reverend Dr. Marcus D. Davidson – Senior Pastor, New Mount Olive Baptist Church
• Steven Davis – Broward County’s all-time winningest public high school football coach; Miami Herald Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
• Earl Hall – First Black City Attorney of Lauderhill
• Darrell Hardge (Mr. Hardge) – Motivational speaker and youth advocate
• Dr. Ruth Carter Lynch – Community advocate and civic leader
• William C. McCormick, Jr. – President, Florida Memorial University (FMU)
• Samuel F. Morrison – Former Director of the Broward County Library System; catalyst for the founding of Broward County’s African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC)
• Asante Tyrell Samuel Sr. – Professional football player; former Cornerback in the National Football League

This Black History Month presentation honors individuals whose contributions, advocacy, leadership, and dedication have made a lasting difference in the Lauderhill community. Honorees will be formally recognized during the City Commission Meeting following a public reception.