Devon Williams, left, and Kevin Smythe, rap for Jesus on the Green in downtown Waterbury June 18th during the Greater Waterbury Youth Network summer concert.
Story and Photographs By John Murray
The music was loud and powerful and had hundred of people on and around the Green craning their heads for a glimpse. Young basketball players leaving the YMCA stopped to listen from across the street, and Russian immigrants, senior citizens and drunks on park benches tapped their feet to the pulsating sounds coming from Waterbury youth.
Each month, area churches join their youth groups for one large youth rally, and on June 18th eight youth groups banded together to stage a youth concert. Reverend Ollie Gray III of the Living Faith Christian Church opened the concert with a prayer, and then it was energetic rap from Bryant Holister, Devon Williams and Kevin Smythe proclaiming Jesus as their savior. It was raw, powerful, and a healthy message and venue. The Greater Waterbury Youth Network is designed to be a place of support for anyone working with youth in the greater Waterbury.
If you would like more information concerning the Greater Waterbury Youth Network contact Pastor Ollie Gray at ogray@livingfaithchristianchurch.com or call (203) 754-5940.
Pastor Ollie Gray III opened the concert with a prayer.
Darren Pight, Pastor Ollie Gray III, Tony Albanese, Bill Tooker, Mike Sabella, Paul Oulette
Bryant Holister opened the concert with two blistering songs.
Mya Gray warming up before the concert.
Devon Williams
Michaela Barnes, Katie Webster enjoying the concert.
Aaron Stuarte, Mya Gray, Breyanna Monti, Nikia Fulton. Mike Francis
Pastor Ollie Gray III
Kevin Omar Smythe