Local minister, author, nonprofit CEO and youth leader Jayden Watkins woke up last Saturday at 4:30 a.m. to drive to the Raleigh area to pick up a generator that was rented for the festival he had organized, set to start at later that morning at 10 a.m.
Watkins, a senior at Henderson Collegiate, had organized the event, titled “Shaping the Future: A Community Empowerment Extravaganza” that included a bookbag giveaway, health screening and talent show.
Watkins arrived at the location to pick up generator, only to be told that he was too young to pick it up. Company policy apparently states that renters must be 18 or over. Watkins just turned 17.
Undeterred, Watkins said he carried on with his day, preparing for the event – sans generator.
“It was an amazing day,” he told WIZS’s Scout Hughes Thursday on The Local Skinny! “I’m grateful that everything came together so beautifully.”
The 500 bookbags were given out before the event ended, but Watkins said he’d follow up with more bookbags for those who didn’t get one on Saturday.
He estimated that about 800 people were in attendance, noting the diversity among participants. “How powerful we are if we come together,” he said.
Watkins embraces the “glass half full” philosophy and finds the good in everything.
“I still am passionate about the work God calls me to do,” he said.
The youth who took the stage beginning at noon did a great job, and there were plenty of local vendors on hand for people to shop with.
“Everyone was having fun. It was hot, but we were having fun!” he said.
As he begins his final year of high school, Watkins said no matter where he ends up in college, he’ll always support Henderson and work to make it better.
“I discovered my purpose in Henderson. I see the potential in Henderson…there are so many amazing people in Henderson, but they just need that little push to shape the future and live on purpose,” he said.
Follow Jayden Watkins on social media platforms or visit his website at www.jaydenwatkins.com to learn about ways to volunteer with or donate to his nonprofit Higher is Waiting.
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