Building Leaders for a Community of Love: How Sutton Scholars is Supporting a Generation of Youth

Originally posted on Maryland Episcopalian, written by Mark Talcott

Building Leaders for a Community of Love: How Sutton Scholars is Supporting a Generation of Youth
Interview with Mr. James Woody, executive director

When you think back on your childhood, who were the role models that shaped you into the person you became as an adult? Was it a parent that taught you a valuable skill? Was it a neighbor you could always confide in? Was it a teacher that challenged you to grow beyond your potential?

For James Woody, one of them was a youth group leader. James’ faith journey developed significantly during his teenage years in Washington DC when he joined a local Christian youth group. It was there that he met Eugene Burrell, a fellow African-American man just a few years older than himself.

“One of the things that he always impressed upon us was the importance and power of knowledge,” James recalled, chuckling as he went on to talk about the philosophical and theological drills Burrell put them through, always challenging them to reach higher.

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