By Mark Johnson, Connectional YPD Parliamentarian
Returning to Washington, D.C., for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference was a full-circle moment. Just one year ago, I attended for the first time, eager to learn from leaders working at the intersection of public policy, civic engagement, and the Black community. This year, I returned with a deeper understanding of public service and the responsibility that comes with leadership.
The conference brought together policymakers, clergy, scholars, advocates, and emerging leaders to discuss challenges facing Black communities and the policies needed to advance equity and opportunity. For me, the week reinforced a lesson rooted in my upbringing in the African Methodist Episcopal Church: faith must be demonstrated not only through what we believe, but also through how we serve.
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of participating in the CBC Foundation’s Spring 2026 Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship Program, serving in the Office of Congresswoman Lucy McBath. That experience allowed me to see how constituent advocacy, congressional leadership, and public policy intersect. Returning to CBC Week, I reflected on how my journey had evolved from observing public servants to participating in the work of serving our communities. Access to influential spaces is a privilege, but what matters most is how we use that access to help others.
Throughout the conference, conversations about education, economic opportunity, civil rights, and the future of our democracy underscored that public service is more than a career. It is a calling that demands integrity, humility, and compassion. Representation matters, particularly when young people see leaders who look like them shaping decisions. Yet representation must be paired with action and a commitment to preparing others to lead.
This commitment is central to the AME Church’s history. From Bishop Richard Allen and the founding of our Zion, the Church has understood that spiritual liberation and social justice belong together. Our congregations have long nurtured leaders who carry their faith into public life. That legacy calls us to equip another generation to engage with the issues affecting their communities.
As Connectional Parliamentarian of the Young People’s and Children’s Division, I see the potential of young people throughout our denomination. Through the YPD, they develop skills in public speaking, parliamentary procedure, advocacy, organization, and service. Those lessons extend far beyond the sanctuary. They prepare young people to lead in government, nonprofit organizations, and their neighborhoods. Investing in youth leadership within the Church is also an investment in the future of our communities.
Scripture reminds us in 1 Timothy 4:12, ‘Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers’ (NKJV). Young leaders need not wait for a particular title or age to make a difference. We are called to serve faithfully now, while continuing to learn from those who have paved the way.
As I reflect on my second CBC Week, I am grateful for the relationships, lessons, and opportunities that have shaped my path. Last year, I attended seeking inspiration and direction. This year, I returned more aware of my responsibility to create pathways for others. I hope more young people in the AME Church will experience conferences, internships, and civic engagement opportunities that broaden their perspectives and deepen their commitment to service.
Ultimately, leadership is measured not by the positions we hold or the rooms we enter, but by the lives we impact and the doors we open. Our faith calls us to serve, our history calls us to act, and our future depends on preparing those who come after us.
