Who We Are
History
Keep It Real Fridays started with a vision from Rev Brackeen seeing a need for an inclusive, innovative safe space for youth and young adults to be able to express their gifts and love for God in an unique way in the church.
Many churches throughout the DC Area and beyond have hosted these services and we have seen as many as 300 young & young adults worship with us on a Friday night!
One of the missions of Keep It Real Fridays was to provide a non-traditional Worship service for Youth and Young Adults. We believe that young people have a platform to worship with their God-given gift whether it's music, mime, dance, poetry, step, or other forms of artistry.
Keep It Real Friday has now entered into its 15th year of it's mission.
Founder
Rev. Thomas Brackeen, Jr. is a member and serves on staff part time as the Youth and Family Pastor of the Historic Metropolitan AME Church of Washington, DC.
Rev Brackeen has worked for 25 years with children as a Physical Education Teacher, Before and After Care Teacher, Summer Camp Director, Teen Program Director, Girls Basketball and Boys Basketball Coach (ages 8-18) and Youth/Teen/Young Adult Pastor
Virtual Relaunch 2020
Our Virtual Relaunch took place on July 17th, 2020. In the midst of a pandemic and uncertainty of when we would be able to worship in the physical space, we have decided to move forward with the vision on the online space.
We will continue to highlight different artists, spotlight youth and young adults that are thriving in our communities, and have conversations with different special guests to focus on youth and young adult related issues.
You may follow these Live-streamed events on the Keep It Real Fridays Fan Page and the Keep It Real Fridays YouTube page.
