Self Denial 2019

SELF DENIAL Self-Denial began as an inspirational idea suggested by Mrs. Hazel Gomez, wife of Bishop Joseph Gomez. The idea transformed into a reality under the leader-ship of Mrs. Alma A. Polk, the first Connectional YPD Director, and Mrs. Mamie Aiken continued the project. The first Self-Denial Program was held in January, 1948. The program later transitioned into Self-Denial Week and is observed each year during the week of May 7th14th.Self-Denial was established as a fund-raising effort to provide scholarships for students.

From 1961 to 1972, scholarships were awarded under the title “Boy-Girl of the Year.” In 1972 the title was changed to the “SELF-DENIAL ESSAY CONTEST.” Scholarships are awarded to the graduating senior essay winners. All essays are judged on: content, organizations, research, gram-mar, creativity, neatness, and thematic approach. In 1981, a SELF-DENIAL THEME POSTER contest was added. This contest is for YPDers 6 to 12 years of age who want to share their creativity.

During this period special emphasis was placed on service projects to be used by the Local, Area, Conference Branch, and District Y.P.D. organizations to actively express concern for others. The announcement of the Self-Denial theme is given each year from the Connectional Y.P.D. Office. Mrs. Wilhelmina Lawrence, Connectional Director, expanded SelfDenial, which can also be said about the Connectional Directorships of Mrs. Johanna Green, and Dr. Rosa Baxter. While Mrs. Adrienne A. Morris served as Connectional Y.P.D. Director, the 50th Year of the Connectional Y.P.D. Self-Denial Pro-gram was celebrated in 1998. Since 2003 Mrs. Paulette Cryer the YPD Director at that time focused on lifting the YPD higher to Jesus Christ. Under the Directorship of Cryer the YPD provided financial support to Districts 14-20 to ensure the awarding of the Self Denial Scholarship to deserving recipients.

In 2007 the Second Vice President Holly Jenkins further broadened the Self Denial Contest Categories and added aspects such as the Shoe Diorama for Allen Stars, poems and essays for the Young People’s Auxiliary. Self-Denial has since expanded to the premier program of the organization providing YPD members with the opportunity to grow in all aspects of the auxiliary (spiritually, socially and holistically)