"Continuing The Journey" With Black Youth in Action

Black Youth in Action’s “Continuing the Journey”, Black History Program, was held on Sunday, February 19 at Helping Hands Ministries. This was a youth driven event with Aigner Chavis-Turner, 2011 BYA Debutante Queen serving as Mistress of Ceremonies . Participants Jasmine Currie, Tre’vell Luck, and Nadia Lynch all did a great job with responsive reading, prayer, and the introduction of the guest speaker. Multiple talents were displayed throughout this program including the St. James Youth and Young Adult Choir and the Anointed Ones dance ministries. A special thanks to pianists Matthew Bunn and Alexandria Shepherd. The guest speaker Ms. Courtney Wallace, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland, gave an inspiring and encouraging word to the audience which included people of all ages. Darren Stevens II gave a riveting speech portraying President Barack Obama. Darren is the 2012 State VFW Buddy Poppy oratory contest winner. Monetary awards were given to the following winners of the BYA Black History Poster and Essay Contest. Elementary: Eliana Peyton 1^st Place; Donovan Peyton and Saniah Wiggins 2^nd Place; Shauna Copeland and Carlton Moss III 3^rd Place; Middle School: Nia Hammett 1^st Place; High School: Nigel Hammett 1^st Place; Darren Stevens II 2^nd Place. There was a special appearance made by State Senator C. Anthony Muse, from Prince George’s County.