Black History Month: Teen Guided By Faith, Family And Purpose

DETROIT (WWJ) - Jeremiah Wheeler is a young man grounded by his faith and purpose. He says he knows he's blessed with his family and support system. The 17-year old Communication and Media Arts student was elected Regional Teen President of Jack and Jill Inc. last year.

The Midwest region covers eight states and 32 chapters.

"My goal in the leadership position is for every youth to come out of Jack and Jill knowing that they have a voice, knowing that they can do whatever they want to do in life as long as they put their mind to it and put the work in," said Wheeler.

Wheeler is active at his church, Fellowship Chapel in Detroit, where he was the youngest selected to serve as worship leader. He says his faith is what keeps him going.

"I don't know what's coming next for me but I do know that God has me," he says, "so I just put my faith in God and I do the work. I know he'll make it come together."

Wheeler who plays track, and football hasn't decided for sure what to study in college, but has an interest in business, law and possibly psychology.

He says he's also interested in the arts and the spoken word and music.

"I don't want to limit myself . . . not exactly sure, but I know whatever I do, I want to help other people," said Wheeler who is also a spoken word artist.

He took first place in a recent oratorical contest through the Midnight Golf program for teens.

WWJ Newsradio 950 celebrates Black History Month by recognizing our local young African American professionals and their heroes – you can hear these reports throughout the day: 6:20 a.m., 10:40 a.m., 3:40 p.m. and 7:40 p.m.