YPD Quadrennial Report
By Jocelyn Iglehart, 5thEpiscopal District
Hundreds of young people from around the world gathered in Columbus, Ohio, for the 19th Quadrennial Convention of the Young People’s and Children’s Division (YPD) of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) of the AME Church. From July 23-26, 2019, the Convention met under the leadership of Bishop John F. White, the chairperson of the Commission on Global Witness and Ministry; the Rev. Dr. George F. Flowers, the executive director of the Department of Global Witness and Ministry; International WMS President Dr. Shirley Cason Reed, Ms. Wanda T. Ringgold, the Connectional YPD Director; and Mr. Chinelo C. Tyler, the Connectional YPD President. The Convention was graciously hosted by the 3rd Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop Frank M. Reid, III; Episcopal Supervisor Marlaa’ M. Reid; and Episcopal Supervisor Dorothy Young.
On Tuesday, July 23, the Convention began with an evening worship service featuring the 3rd Episcopal District Choir and a powerful word from Bishop Stafford J.N. Wicker, the presiding prelate of the 18th Episcopal District. Bishop Stafford’s message was “Vision 2020: You Are Amazing” and reminded YPDers that they are amazing, worthy, and must acquire self-love to tap into their full God-given potential. After the worship service, the 3rdEpiscopal District held a welcome reception.
Wednesday morning began with the Monique Gonzales Memorial Service as the young people honored the lives of those who have gone on to glory. Transitioning into Business Session I, Episcopal District presidents and Executive Board members presented their reports. The young people then headed over to the Green & White Luncheon, where we recognized YPDers from Districts 14 through 20. The Connectional 3rd Vice President, Mr. Gopolang Kgaile was the guest speaker and gave a powerful message entitled, “We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For!”
The young people proceeded into Business Session II to hear the remaining Episcopal District reports and begin hearing the Connectional Committee Chairperson reports.
Round One of the competitions ran concurrently with Business Session II. The competitions included the Spelling Bee, Know Your Church, Bible Bowl, and Shark Tank. The excitement and high energies of YPDers watching their teams give countless time and effort to succeed in the competitions was an energy you could feel. Winners from the first round advanced to the second round and competed the next day.
To wrap up Wednesday evening, the Convention celebrated 2019 high school and college graduates during the Graduation Recognition Service. The guest speakers were Ms. Ka’Dijah Brown, the Connectional WMS 2nd Vice President; Mr. Brian Tukes, the former Connectional YPD 2nd Vice President; and the Rev. Ritney Castine, the former 8th Episcopal District YPD President. They encouraged the graduates and current students to endure the beautiful struggle of life while also accepting what comes with the transformation.
Thursday morning opened with the Social Justice Forum led by Dr. Wes Bellamy. Many YPDers engaged in the discussions that ranged from the African American community to the justice system.
Following the Forum, we moved into Business Session III, where reports from the 2015-2019 elected Connectional officers were presented. Business Session III was adjourned early and YPDers supported their teams in the second round of the competitions. Later that evening, the young people enjoyed a talent show and an exciting concert given by Anthony Brown and group therAPy. The official winners of some of the competitions were also recognized.
Sister Faith Reid of the 2nd Episcopal District led the young people in a heartfelt Bible study on “Finishing the Work.” This set the tone for the Convention as everyone transitioned into Business Session IV, where we elected Connectional officers for the 2019-2023 quadrennium. The room was filled with both uncertainty and excitement.
The Convention closed on Friday evening with the YPD Graduation and Recognition of District directors who had served eight years. The messenger of the hour was the Rev. Henry “Trae” Green, III from the 11th Episcopal District, who preached from the subject, “We Are At War Against the Culture.”
Lastly, the 2019-2023 Connectional YPD Executive Board was installed by Bishop John White and President Chinelo Tyler gave his final remarks. The Quadrennial did it again. It stirred the excitement of the young people, brought in a new group of leaders, inspired the upcoming, and commended a job well done for those who are moving on. It’s hard to say goodbye but this goodbye is not forever because we are Forever YPD. The legacy continues! Until next time, continue to “Go, Grow, and Glow forChrist!”
President:
Mr. Richard Franklin Norris, III (1)
First Vice President
Mr. Gabriel D. Cloud (6) 152
Mr. Ray Young (7) 113
Second Vice President
Ms. Jordan DeVeaux (2)
Third Vice President
Mr. Mangaliso Ndlangamandla (18)
Recording Secretary
Ms. Destinee K. Reese (7)
Assistant Recording Secretary
Ms. Amaria Phillips (4)
Financial Secretary
Ms. La Toria M. Lane (13)
Communications Secretary
Ms. Jocelyn Iglehart (5)
Parliamentarian
Mr. George A. Pratt (11)
Historiographer/Statistician
Ms. Emmaya D. Swift (12)
Worship Director
Ms. Jada Arnell Thomas (10) 219
Mr. Cameron Seawright (9) 45
Editor, YPD Gazette
Ms. Shan’T-Erica Pugh (11)
YPD Gazette Associate Editor Vacant
Ms. Jocelyn Iglehart, 5th Episcopal District is the Connectional YPD Communications Secretary.
