Filmore F. Gregory, National President
LaTasha Pettis, Young Adult President
Tyneka L. Riddick, Junior & Young People President 

 



Junior and Young People's History


Susie Gomes
The Junior Department of the National United Ushers Association can trace its history to the efforts of one dynamic girl named Susie Gomes. She was born in South Carolina to devoted God-Fearing Parents.  When Susie was still very young, her family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where they joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  Susie immediately began working in the usual youth groups of the Church, but she still felt the need to do more.

In her early teens, she heeded the call to do Missionary Work. Soon other youths began accompanying her on her rounds as she visited the sick and shut-in, bringing them sunshine and cheer.  Noticing that all of the ushers in her church were adults, she decided to organize a Junior Board so that she and her friends could better serve the church.

She sought permission from her pastor for such a project and won his approval.  Her first efforts were so successful, she decided to branch out and began encouraging youth in churches of all faiths to organize.  In a few short years, she had organized local and state groups similar to the Senior Ushers' Organization.

In July 1940, Susie along with a group of other youths petitioned the National United Ushers Association, who were meeting in their Annual Convention in Dallas, Texas, for permission to organize a Junior Unit of our Organization. From that beginning, the Junior National Department has grown to an unimaginable volume, fulfilling the needs of people in churches throughout this country.  Its success can be attributed to a young lady who was kind in disposition, noble in heart, who had a burning desire to serve and let nothing stand in her way.  She was a credit to her family, her race, her curch and her community.

Requirements:  The individual must be a member of his/her church usher board, local and state.  Ages 8-21.

      Robert Rufua West
 
The First National President of the Junior Department was Robert Rufus West of Greater Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Chicago, Illinois. Rufus served nobly.  Many other churches were organized under his leadership and united with the National Body.  At the National Convention in Memphis, Tennessee, he asked all the National Junior Officers to have some type of program and the National Officers bringing in the highest amount over $25.00 would be crowned King or Queen of the National.

 Vicie D. Juran, National Junior Supervisor 


Lubertha O'Hill from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was elected Second President of this department.  The department was very young, so there was a need for finance.  In an effort to create a unique role for all the youth to play at the Convention, a contest was started  where they would vie to be crowned King or Queen, so all states could take part.  It was later named the Vicie D. Juran Popularity Contest in honor of their late supervisor.  To this day, it is a featured event of each convention, held on Tuesday Evening.  It grows more popular every year.