By Charles Warren, Contributing Writer
On March 14, 2025, REEL TEENS hosted another impactful Black Fridays (African-American History Documentaries), founded and directed by Pastor James Wiley Jr. at St. Stephens Cathedral Church of God in Christ. Despite the weather affecting attendance, the spirit and purpose of the night remained strong.
The evening featured Chida Warren-Darby, Director of Appointments / Boards and Commissions for Mayor Todd Gloria, as the special guest speaker. Families and teens gathered, enjoying nachos and drinks while listening intently to Warren-Darby’s powerful journey—from childhood to adulthood, highlighting family, faith, and career.
The most pivotal moment came as she spoke about the power of faith and words, drawing parallels between her own life and biblical stories familiar to the teens. She emphasized how words shape destiny, encouraging the audience to speak positive words into their futures. The teens engaged with thought-provoking questions, to which Warren-Darby responded with wisdom and clarity.
Robert Shannon, a seventh grader in attendance shared his experience at REEL Teens, which stands for Reaching Engaging Empowering Loving. When asked why he chose to come, he shared, “I wanted to learn more about God, Jesus, and the Bible.” Reflecting on the event, he said, “I think it was really good. I learned about how Jesus was born and how God created Himself.” What stood out most to him was the insight he gained from Warren-Darby’s answers to his questions. “I really appreciated her response, and I’m leaving tonight feeling inspired,” he added.
The night was more than an event, it was a reminder of faith, perseverance, and the importance of storytelling in shaping the next generation. Black Fridays continue to inspire, leaving a lasting impact on all who attend. Don’t miss Black Fridays, held every Friday at 6 PM at the REEL Teen Center at St. Stephens, located at 5825 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92114.
For full stories and photos only published in print, pick up a paper at a newsstand near you, or check out the latest edition of our newspaper on Thursday each week.
