For Black Catholic History Month, we’re highlighting the 2017 – 2018 VBCC Youth Ambassadors. Every week in November, you’ll get to learn more about who they are!

Davone Dawson

School: James Madison H.S.
Parish: St. Thomas Aquinas, Flatlands
Grade: Sophomore
What does it mean to be a VBCC  Youth Ambassador Leader? “Being a Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns Leader means it’s my job to do things to help better my community, as well as set an example to others around me and inspire them to help their community.”
What social issues should concern the young Church today and why? I feel like social media and all of its intangibles influence and have a big impact on today’s Church because of all the opinions and trends that oppose the Church.
Who is a role model for you in the Church and why? A role model for me in the Church would be Fr. Dwayne because at a young age, he is a very well-known priest and overall a great person.

Nia Mendonca

School: St. John’s Prep H.S.
Parish: St. Teresa of Avila, South Ozone Park
Grade: Senior
What does it mean to be a VBCC  Youth Ambassador Leader? “Being a Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns Leader means giving back to my community and improving myself as a person. Through helping others, I learn things about myself.”
What social issues should concern the young Church today and why? I believe that judgement between the older generation should not be passed on to the younger generation. Many people get turned off by how some people in the church judge other church-goers. I think that should not be the case. Instead, the Church should always feel fully welcoming to all people.
Who is a role model for you in the Church and why? My priest Father Conlin is a role model in the Church to me. He always portrays a positive attitude at church and does not allow things to stress him out.