Saturday, January 24, 2026
I had the pleasure of awarding the first DC Voice Essay Contest awards to Jaydon and Jonathan Sam this Saturday at West Chester PA Seventh-day Adventist Church. The theme for the 2025 Essay Contest was My Church, Our Voice, Our History. We invited local youth in the Washington, D.C. area to join us for an inspiring essay contest exploring the pivotal roles of churches in the civil rights movement, and how that legacy continues to shape our communities today.
The participants were also asked to examine the impact of gentrification on neighborhoods and churches. Jaydon and Jonathan hit the mark with their essays. I was also impressed by their remarkable musicianship as they performed during the hymnals and musical selections.
Lastly, I want to thank Mabel Samuel (the mother of the Essay Contest winners), Lay Pastor David Taylor, West Chester Seventh-day Adventist Church and its congregation for their support and allowing us to present these awards as part of their Sabbath worship.
The essays can be read in their entirety by clicking on the links below.
Building Hope, Preserving Heritage: SDA Faith in African American Communities By Jaydon Sam
My Church, Our History, and My Voice By Jonathan Sam
View the award presentation on The DC Voice YouTube channel!