In the year 2011, the Earl B. Scott Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians realized that the youth of the African Diaspora in the Diocese of New Jersey did not have a platform to learn or tell their unique story of being a black youth. The chapter created an Annual Youth Event that attracts forty to fifty youth with an age range from kindergarten through high school from our Black Churches within the Diocese of New Jersey.

Topics that are relevant and serve as a teaching moment to our youth were provided. Each year since the inception, we have had the opportunity to benefit from an African Storyteller/Musician Brother Atiba, from Brooklyn, NY. Not only does the youth get a history lesson about African heritage; as well as African American history, they also get to listen and participate in the music.

We also have a youth “friendly” service each year, with our black priests being the guest preachers and celebrants. The messages are geared especially for our youth. They also perform all the duties within the service; from readers, acolytes, ushers, musicians, liturgical dancers and steppers. The spirituality and fellowship can be felt by all, which includes the youth and the adults in attendance.