Affirming the Youth in Our Congregations & Communities to Encourage Their Faith & Healing, And Answering a Call to Action

The Michael Brown Sr. Chosen For Change Organization (CFC) partners with Metropolitan Congregations United of St. Louis (MCU) and St. John’s Church UCC - The Beloved Community to call for faith and community leaders to launch the First Annual Michael Brown Jr. Youth Affirmation Worship Service and Youth Justice Action during the weekend of August 9th-12th.

Brief History:

Friday, August 9, 2024 marks the 10th Angelversary of Michael Brown Jr. His untimely death and the Ferguson Uprising shook America to its core, causing pivotal shifts within communities around the world. A new generation of community leaders, change agents, and people of faith were ignited to fight injustice and demand their voices & values to be heard.  Mr. Michael Brown Sr. and Mrs. Calvina Mays-Brown have transformed their pain into purpose by forming CFC, which provides holistic grief support and outreach programs to families who have experienced a traumatic loss.

In 2013, the US Justice Department began investigating the St. Louis County Family Courts after reports of violating constitutional rights of children and routinely discriminating against African-American children. MCU’s Education Task Force found that the same powers that influenced disparities in our state’s education system also influenced the over-policing of African-American communities which would lead to more youth having harsher encounters with police and higher rates of suspension and incarceration.  In response to the Ferguson Uprising, organizations and faith leaders joined MCU to “break the school-to-prison pipeline and to build pathways” after organizing a public meeting titled “Mike Brown vs. Board of Education”, which led to multiple demonstrations. The efforts of MCU, community organizations, and elected leaders led to the DOJ ending its oversight in 2019 after the Court became compliant with a 2016 Federal Agreement.

Numerous faith leaders joined the protests, marching alongside activists and community members. They often played crucial roles in organizing and leading demonstrations, providing a moral and ethical framework for the movement.  Several leaders were either graduates, associates, professors, or students of Eden Theological Seminary (Eden).  The Ferguson Uprising was greatly influenced by multiple faith leaders whose responses were integral to the broader movement for racial justice, providing moral leadership, practical support, and a vision for a more equitable society. They emphasized the need for systemic change and justice for Michael Brown and other victims of police violence.

St. John’s Church UCC is known as the spiritual home to several STL activists, organizers, & elected leaders and a familiar place for “worship & strategizing” after hosting over 600 activists from 18 cities from the orchestrated Black Lives Matters Freedom Rides in August 2014. Led by senior pastor Rev. Michelle Higgins, St. John’s continues to be a catalyst for neighborhood wholeness & growth, along with being a partner for one of the region’s biggest Juneteenth Celebrations.

Invitation:

In honor of the 10th Angelversary of Michael Brown Jr., CFC, MCU, & St. John’s Church are calling all people of faith to attend two events:

1. The First Annual Michael Brown Jr. Youth Affirmation Worship Service on Sunday, August 11th at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church (4136 N. Grand Blvd, 63107). To worship in-person, register at bit.ly/YAWS24. Space is limited.

2. The Youth Justice Day of Action on Monday, August 12th at 11:00 AM at the Deaconess Foundation (1000 N. Vandeventer, 63108). This event will consist of a press conference and a community register at bit.ly/YJDA8-12.

Event Details:

The Michael Brown Jr. Youth Affirmation Worship Service: This worship service is designed to recognize and honor the God-given gifts, talents, and contributions of youth in our congregations and communities. It is an opportunity to encourage & empower them, acknowledging their importance in the life of the congregation and the wider community. The challenges that the youth have voiced should be directly addressed. This is not a time to condemn or judge them. Rather, this is a time for the entire congregation to re-commit to supporting the youth in attendance, affirming that the congregation will be supportive during moments of celebration, as well as in times of trouble, including if youth become involved with with school disciplinary issues or the juvenile court system, when support is needed the most. 

By participating in this initiative, congregations will:

1. Strengthen the Faith of Youth: Encourage young people in their spiritual journey and reinforce their sense of belonging within your congregation.
2. Celebrate Diversity & Talent: Showcase the diverse talents of youth through music ministry, poetry, art exhibits, dance, etc.
3. Build Community: Foster a sense of unity and support among the youth across diverse demographics.
4. Inspire Leadership: Encourage youth  to take on leadership roles during worship and actively participate in congregation activities.
5. Promote Justice: Reflect on the life of Michael Brown Jr. and advocate for a world where every young person can thrive free from discrimination and violence.

Hosting your own service: We are aware that everyone cannot attend worship at St. John’s Church.  We strongly encourage communities of faith to host their own Youth Affirmation Worship Service, in solidarity, during the weekend of August 9th. Faith leaders and community members should invite ALL youth they regularly interact with so Parents, Guardians, and Family members have the opportunity to worship with their children. During your worship service, we ask that youth be centered at the front of the congregation to be affirmed and receive a word of prayer. 

To assist in planning a Michael Brown Jr. Youth Affirmation Worship Service, we will provide a resource guide that includes suggested readings, prayers, activities, and a template for the service. These materials are designed to be adaptable, allowing you to tailor the service to fit the unique character and traditions of your community. Lastly, to recognize your participation in solidarity with congregations across the globe, please sign up at bit.ly/HostYAWS24. Access the Resource Packet HERE.

Youth Justice Action Day: Mr. Michael Brown Sr, MCU's Parent Organizer, will lead a press conference highlighting major concerns of parents of children impacted by school suspensions and detention centers. Immediately following the press conference, a community defense training for faith leaders will be provided. We’re requesting only two members/leaders per congregation for training. If you are not able to join us, we strongly encourage your congregation to implement your own Youth Justice Action that aligns with the unique needs and concerns of your community’s youth.

We sincerely hope you will join us in this meaningful celebration. Contact Mr. Demaris Ridgell at Demaris@mcustl.com or 314.541.9239 for any further information or assistance. We look forward to hearing about the wonderful ways in which your congregation will honor and affirm your youth. May God’s blessings be with you as we work together to support and celebrate ALL of God’s Children, and to honor the legacy of Mike Brown Jr.