This is an excerpt from our 2024 End of year booklet, we encourage you to read and share with your network: https://belovedcommunitycenter.org/featured/2024eoyreview/
As BCC grows and evolves, the organization’s engagement with the youth continues to be a major part of its operation. It’s an undeniable fact that having youth involvement at the center of any institution or organization helps ensure its longevity. The landscape of BCC has provided space and opportunity for students on different levels of academia, from hosting 50 college students with SEIU to hosting middle school students who were participating in a racial awareness summer camp.
NCTJRC Summit ‘24: Student Discussion
The year 2024 was a great year for BCC, one of the monumental movements that was done was The Long March for Unity and Justice. Ten days across the state of North Carolina, eleven different communities. Representation from all age groups was in attendance, a picturesque display of community and togetherness. The first stop of The Long March was at Western Carolina University, there in attendance were several students from the college who gave their experiences. The presence of the youth and young adults gave a vibrant and robust feel to the movement. They led chants, carried banners, delivered speeches, danced, marched, and were attentive and alert about the times that we are currently living in.
Historically, college students have been at the forefront of movement building. It is critical at this time to keep students of all ages engaged. As a social justice organization, a large part of the work involves training and teaching, what better way to equip the next generation to come, other than hands-on training? BCC has been blessed to work with gifted students from local schools. NC A&T, Guilford College, and Greensboro College students have interned and volunteered at the center this year. One of the main organizers for The Long March is a student at NC A&T, Halima Opata. She was instrumental in the galvanizing of a few communities, wrote songs, and delivered a powerful spoken word poem entitled “Unity”. Another intern from The Early College at Guilford College, Jaelle Garvin, kept the group organized with her amazing administrative skills, and also translated for Spanish-speaking siblings. BCC continues work with the NC A&T Power of Four Research Fellows as well.
This is the legacy of BCC, our Co-Founders Rev Nelson Johnson and Mrs. Joyce Johnson were both student organizers in their youth. To further keep their legacy as BCC continues to evolve and grow, this sacred place will always be home for students and Youth organizers.
Mrs. Johnson often spoke of “sharing the baton” as opposed to “passing it,” as she recognized the need for movement continuity. She also understood the importance of wisdom alongside fresh perspectives. For more than a year, Brigette shared that baton with her predecessors, gradually taking on more responsibility, yet following their lead. She learned much from both and knows the magnitude of what they have entrusted her to carry forward. Lucky for her, they will still be down the hall, as they are stepping away from the day-to-day leadership, but not leaving BCC altogether. The Johnsons, along with Mr. Lewis A. Brandon, III, a founding contributor and dedicated veteran member of the staff, will remain at BCC in an advisory capacity. They will also continue to lead significant special initiatives as Executives in Residence with the organization.