Johnoy J. Davis, Intern
An unmistakable sense of expectation filled the air as Edward Waters University (EWU) hosted The AME Worship Celebration on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, a signature event in its 2025 Homecoming celebration. The gathering inside the Adams-Jenkins Community Sports and Music Complex was more than a concert; it was an outpouring of worship, community, and pride in the enduring legacy of the state of Florida’s first Historically Black College and University, founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The event brought together gospel greats Bishop Marvin Sapp and Todd Galberth, joined by the Yohannas Performing Arts Company, a group of spirit-filled artists from across Jacksonville that includes current and former Edward Waters University students. Opening the evening, YPAC delivered a moving performance filled with rich harmonies and energetic praise, setting a powerful tone that prepared the audience for the memorable moments that followed.
The audience, an energetic mix of students, alumni, and community members from AME congregations and various denominations across Jacksonville, filled every seat of the Adams-Jenkins Complex. The atmosphere quickly transformed into a living sanctuary, with hands raised and voices united in worship.
Todd Galberth’s powerful vocals filled the room, drawing listeners into a deeper moment of reverence that especially resonated with students who sang along to every lyric. Bishop Marvin Sapp followed with a soul-stirring set of his timeless songs of hope and endurance, lifting the audience to its feet. Together, their ministries moved beyond performance, becoming a collective expression of faith and gratitude.
“This wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience,” said Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II, Chairman of the EWU Board of Trustees and a major sponsor of the event. “Homecoming is one of the largest gatherings we have each year, and it gives us a chance to merge the university and the community in a spirit of fellowship. Edward Waters was born out of the Church, and nights like this remind us that we are, indeed, better together.”
For President and CEO Dr. A.Z. Faison, the concert symbolized both progress and purpose. “Edward Waters has reached a point where our community deserves programming that reflects excellence,” he said. “Bringing in artists like Bishop Sapp and Todd Galberth honors our deep spiritual roots while showcasing the vibrant student experience we’re building here. These artists are leaders in gospel music, and their presence affirms that EWU is an institution of national consequence.”
Among those most visibly moved was Miss Edward Waters University 2025–2026, Kimberly Holland, who described the evening as a reminder of identity and faith. “For us as students, this was more than a Homecoming event; it was a moment of unity,” she said. “When we worship together, we celebrate not only our culture and history but the God who continues to guide this institution.”
As the final song faded and the audience stood in unified praise, it was clear that the 2025 AME Worship Experience had done more than entertain. It rekindled pride, renewed faith, and reaffirmed the sacred bond between Edward Waters University, the AME Church, and the city of Jacksonville.
In a year defined by growth and gratitude, the concert served as a living reflection of EWU’s motto, emerging eminence, and a testament to a truth felt deeply by everyone in attendance: when worship and purpose come together, there is nothing ordinary about the moment.
Official event flyer courtesy of Edward Waters University (Instagram/@ewc_tigers)
