Black Catholic Messenger
@blackcatholicmessenger.org
Nonprofit media in the tradition of Daniel Rudd's 'American Catholic Tribune' (1885-1897). Amplifying Black Catholic voices. Editor: Nate Tinner-Williams
#ThatsTheMessage
blackcatholicmessenger.org
#ThatsTheMessage
blackcatholicmessenger.org
Fr Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez has been named Bishop of Palm Beach, becoming the latest immigrant prelate added to the U.S. episcopacy by Pope Leo XIV.
The Dominican-born priest in the Diocese of Brooklyn is notably outspoken on a variety of social issues. buff.ly/6abl8Q5
The Dominican-born priest in the Diocese of Brooklyn is notably outspoken on a variety of social issues. buff.ly/6abl8Q5
December 19, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Fr Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez has been named Bishop of Palm Beach, becoming the latest immigrant prelate added to the U.S. episcopacy by Pope Leo XIV.
The Dominican-born priest in the Diocese of Brooklyn is notably outspoken on a variety of social issues. buff.ly/6abl8Q5
The Dominican-born priest in the Diocese of Brooklyn is notably outspoken on a variety of social issues. buff.ly/6abl8Q5
Pope Leo XIV has been named one of Vogue's 55 "Best Dressed People" of the year, a first for a Bishop of Rome.
Solange and Andre Walker also made the list, rounding out a trio of honorees at the intersection of Blackness, Catholicism, and high fashion. buff.ly/YHOHRf1
Solange and Andre Walker also made the list, rounding out a trio of honorees at the intersection of Blackness, Catholicism, and high fashion. buff.ly/YHOHRf1
December 17, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Pope Leo XIV has been named one of Vogue's 55 "Best Dressed People" of the year, a first for a Bishop of Rome.
Solange and Andre Walker also made the list, rounding out a trio of honorees at the intersection of Blackness, Catholicism, and high fashion. buff.ly/YHOHRf1
Solange and Andre Walker also made the list, rounding out a trio of honorees at the intersection of Blackness, Catholicism, and high fashion. buff.ly/YHOHRf1
Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo is challenging Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York for his seat in Congress, joining a Democratic primary energized by shifting US sentiment against Israel.
The Afro-Latina Catholic plans to focus her campaign solely on the Bronx. buff.ly/vHIrlLM
The Afro-Latina Catholic plans to focus her campaign solely on the Bronx. buff.ly/vHIrlLM
December 16, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo is challenging Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York for his seat in Congress, joining a Democratic primary energized by shifting US sentiment against Israel.
The Afro-Latina Catholic plans to focus her campaign solely on the Bronx. buff.ly/vHIrlLM
The Afro-Latina Catholic plans to focus her campaign solely on the Bronx. buff.ly/vHIrlLM
University of Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is reportedly under investigation for his actions concerning disgraced former football coach Sherrone Moore.
The Black Catholic official has faced a litany of scandals since his hiring in 2016. buff.ly/bUQyOGv
The Black Catholic official has faced a litany of scandals since his hiring in 2016. buff.ly/bUQyOGv
December 14, 2025 at 12:05 PM
University of Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is reportedly under investigation for his actions concerning disgraced former football coach Sherrone Moore.
The Black Catholic official has faced a litany of scandals since his hiring in 2016. buff.ly/bUQyOGv
The Black Catholic official has faced a litany of scandals since his hiring in 2016. buff.ly/bUQyOGv
Fr Clarence Rivers, the father of Black Catholic liturgy, will receive a historical marker in Ohio next year.
He was the first Black priest in the Cincinnati Archdiocese and the first Black Catholic to integrate African-American patrimony with the Mass. buff.ly/vgAOzLL
He was the first Black priest in the Cincinnati Archdiocese and the first Black Catholic to integrate African-American patrimony with the Mass. buff.ly/vgAOzLL
December 12, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Fr Clarence Rivers, the father of Black Catholic liturgy, will receive a historical marker in Ohio next year.
He was the first Black priest in the Cincinnati Archdiocese and the first Black Catholic to integrate African-American patrimony with the Mass. buff.ly/vgAOzLL
He was the first Black priest in the Cincinnati Archdiocese and the first Black Catholic to integrate African-American patrimony with the Mass. buff.ly/vgAOzLL
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, one of the last remaining Black parishes in Louisville, will close at year's end due to declining membership and financial woes.
The archdiocese announced the move, requested by parishioners, in late November. buff.ly/Vaqbghw
The archdiocese announced the move, requested by parishioners, in late November. buff.ly/Vaqbghw
December 9, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, one of the last remaining Black parishes in Louisville, will close at year's end due to declining membership and financial woes.
The archdiocese announced the move, requested by parishioners, in late November. buff.ly/Vaqbghw
The archdiocese announced the move, requested by parishioners, in late November. buff.ly/Vaqbghw
Many White Catholics in America have allied with evangelicals in pursuit of Christian nationalism, a prospect odious to the teachings of the Church and harmful to Black Americans.
Efran Menny asks: How do we get back to the heart of the Gospel? buff.ly/pIuADkL
Efran Menny asks: How do we get back to the heart of the Gospel? buff.ly/pIuADkL
December 8, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Many White Catholics in America have allied with evangelicals in pursuit of Christian nationalism, a prospect odious to the teachings of the Church and harmful to Black Americans.
Efran Menny asks: How do we get back to the heart of the Gospel? buff.ly/pIuADkL
Efran Menny asks: How do we get back to the heart of the Gospel? buff.ly/pIuADkL
Award-winning poet Airea "Dee" Matthews has been named provost of Bryn Mawr College, where she has taught creative writing since 2017.
The 53-year-old Black Catholic is a former Philadelphia Poet Laureate and Guggenheim Fellow. buff.ly/sapXp2P
The 53-year-old Black Catholic is a former Philadelphia Poet Laureate and Guggenheim Fellow. buff.ly/sapXp2P
December 7, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Award-winning poet Airea "Dee" Matthews has been named provost of Bryn Mawr College, where she has taught creative writing since 2017.
The 53-year-old Black Catholic is a former Philadelphia Poet Laureate and Guggenheim Fellow. buff.ly/sapXp2P
The 53-year-old Black Catholic is a former Philadelphia Poet Laureate and Guggenheim Fellow. buff.ly/sapXp2P
"SUNSHINE AND DAYLIGHT" (poem by Dorothy Dempsey). buff.ly/6ZhzTt2
December 6, 2025 at 8:08 PM
"SUNSHINE AND DAYLIGHT" (poem by Dorothy Dempsey). buff.ly/6ZhzTt2
Pope Leo XIV's childhood home in Dolton, Illinois, has been named a historic landmark, following a village board vote.
The one-story brick structure—which his father and Black Creole mother purchased in 1949—is scheduled to be publicly accessible by 2027. buff.ly/RA8TIeA
The one-story brick structure—which his father and Black Creole mother purchased in 1949—is scheduled to be publicly accessible by 2027. buff.ly/RA8TIeA
December 5, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Pope Leo XIV's childhood home in Dolton, Illinois, has been named a historic landmark, following a village board vote.
The one-story brick structure—which his father and Black Creole mother purchased in 1949—is scheduled to be publicly accessible by 2027. buff.ly/RA8TIeA
The one-story brick structure—which his father and Black Creole mother purchased in 1949—is scheduled to be publicly accessible by 2027. buff.ly/RA8TIeA
The special election for New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill's former seat in Congress will see a dozen Democrats vie for the solid-blue opening.
At least one of them, the viral Trump-impersonating comedian J-L Cauvin, is a practicing Black Catholic. buff.ly/7Ak7Yk5
At least one of them, the viral Trump-impersonating comedian J-L Cauvin, is a practicing Black Catholic. buff.ly/7Ak7Yk5
December 4, 2025 at 10:51 PM
The special election for New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill's former seat in Congress will see a dozen Democrats vie for the solid-blue opening.
At least one of them, the viral Trump-impersonating comedian J-L Cauvin, is a practicing Black Catholic. buff.ly/7Ak7Yk5
At least one of them, the viral Trump-impersonating comedian J-L Cauvin, is a practicing Black Catholic. buff.ly/7Ak7Yk5
Zootopia is back, bringing thoughtful social commentary to the silver screen in animated animal form—though this time with a new twist.
Samantha Smith gives high praise in her review of the new Disney sequel. buff.ly/2vYdtwU
Samantha Smith gives high praise in her review of the new Disney sequel. buff.ly/2vYdtwU
December 3, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Zootopia is back, bringing thoughtful social commentary to the silver screen in animated animal form—though this time with a new twist.
Samantha Smith gives high praise in her review of the new Disney sequel. buff.ly/2vYdtwU
Samantha Smith gives high praise in her review of the new Disney sequel. buff.ly/2vYdtwU
Will you support BCM today for #GivingTuesday? We need your help to keep Black Catholic journalism alive in this pivotal moment for the Church and our nation.
If you love the work that we do and want to make a tax-deductible gift, click now to give: buff.ly/JICwkDt
If you love the work that we do and want to make a tax-deductible gift, click now to give: buff.ly/JICwkDt
December 2, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Will you support BCM today for #GivingTuesday? We need your help to keep Black Catholic journalism alive in this pivotal moment for the Church and our nation.
If you love the work that we do and want to make a tax-deductible gift, click now to give: buff.ly/JICwkDt
If you love the work that we do and want to make a tax-deductible gift, click now to give: buff.ly/JICwkDt
Sr Jamie T. Phelps, one of the most influential modern Black Catholics, has died in MIchigan following an illness. She was 84 years old.
The acclaimed womanist theologian, founder, and multidisciplinary scholar desegregated the Adrian Dominicans in 1959. buff.ly/M67wPh7
The acclaimed womanist theologian, founder, and multidisciplinary scholar desegregated the Adrian Dominicans in 1959. buff.ly/M67wPh7
December 1, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Sr Jamie T. Phelps, one of the most influential modern Black Catholics, has died in MIchigan following an illness. She was 84 years old.
The acclaimed womanist theologian, founder, and multidisciplinary scholar desegregated the Adrian Dominicans in 1959. buff.ly/M67wPh7
The acclaimed womanist theologian, founder, and multidisciplinary scholar desegregated the Adrian Dominicans in 1959. buff.ly/M67wPh7
A Black Catholic parish in Louisiana will soon unveil a historical marker, honoring 128 years of faith and service.
Immaculate Conception Church and its former school in Lebeau include a Grammy winner and civil rights activists in their storied history. buff.ly/GJUhqo5
Immaculate Conception Church and its former school in Lebeau include a Grammy winner and civil rights activists in their storied history. buff.ly/GJUhqo5
November 29, 2025 at 8:17 PM
A Black Catholic parish in Louisiana will soon unveil a historical marker, honoring 128 years of faith and service.
Immaculate Conception Church and its former school in Lebeau include a Grammy winner and civil rights activists in their storied history. buff.ly/GJUhqo5
Immaculate Conception Church and its former school in Lebeau include a Grammy winner and civil rights activists in their storied history. buff.ly/GJUhqo5
Entering the holiday season, President Donald Trump's Project 2025-tinged vision of America is in full force, with broad support despite its abject moral horrors.
Dorothy Dempsey writes that a commitment to Christlike love is needed now more than ever. buff.ly/gTBV4Pa
Dorothy Dempsey writes that a commitment to Christlike love is needed now more than ever. buff.ly/gTBV4Pa
November 28, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Entering the holiday season, President Donald Trump's Project 2025-tinged vision of America is in full force, with broad support despite its abject moral horrors.
Dorothy Dempsey writes that a commitment to Christlike love is needed now more than ever. buff.ly/gTBV4Pa
Dorothy Dempsey writes that a commitment to Christlike love is needed now more than ever. buff.ly/gTBV4Pa
Gov. Greg Abbott has set a special election runoff for a vacant House seat at the heart of Texas' GOP-gerrymandered congressional maps.
Black Catholic hopeful Amanda Edwards will face her opponent on Jan. 31 ahead of a midterm primary just weeks later. buff.ly/0PGuLhw
Black Catholic hopeful Amanda Edwards will face her opponent on Jan. 31 ahead of a midterm primary just weeks later. buff.ly/0PGuLhw
November 26, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Gov. Greg Abbott has set a special election runoff for a vacant House seat at the heart of Texas' GOP-gerrymandered congressional maps.
Black Catholic hopeful Amanda Edwards will face her opponent on Jan. 31 ahead of a midterm primary just weeks later. buff.ly/0PGuLhw
Black Catholic hopeful Amanda Edwards will face her opponent on Jan. 31 ahead of a midterm primary just weeks later. buff.ly/0PGuLhw
Black Catholic History Month is a time of joy for many Americans, but its pan-diasporic appeal is limited for various reasons.
Fr Nnaemeka Ali, OMI writes that his experience as a Nigerian in Canada only reinforces his desire to celebrate representation. buff.ly/z33XGjy
Fr Nnaemeka Ali, OMI writes that his experience as a Nigerian in Canada only reinforces his desire to celebrate representation. buff.ly/z33XGjy
November 25, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Black Catholic History Month is a time of joy for many Americans, but its pan-diasporic appeal is limited for various reasons.
Fr Nnaemeka Ali, OMI writes that his experience as a Nigerian in Canada only reinforces his desire to celebrate representation. buff.ly/z33XGjy
Fr Nnaemeka Ali, OMI writes that his experience as a Nigerian in Canada only reinforces his desire to celebrate representation. buff.ly/z33XGjy
The Josephites will raise two men to the transitional diaconate in December, the second ordinations of the year for the historic religious community serving African Americans.
Alex Lema and Justus Ihemawulotu will make final professions the same month. buff.ly/mB2zANY
Alex Lema and Justus Ihemawulotu will make final professions the same month. buff.ly/mB2zANY
November 24, 2025 at 12:05 PM
The Josephites will raise two men to the transitional diaconate in December, the second ordinations of the year for the historic religious community serving African Americans.
Alex Lema and Justus Ihemawulotu will make final professions the same month. buff.ly/mB2zANY
Alex Lema and Justus Ihemawulotu will make final professions the same month. buff.ly/mB2zANY
"Wicked: For Good" ties up loose ends from last fall's adventure in Oz, with a defiant Cynthia Erivo playing an empowered (yet conflicted) witch fighting the good fight and facing the consequences.
Pro-social messages abound, says @natemup.com in his review. buff.ly/FaoDOye
Pro-social messages abound, says @natemup.com in his review. buff.ly/FaoDOye
November 23, 2025 at 9:37 PM
"Wicked: For Good" ties up loose ends from last fall's adventure in Oz, with a defiant Cynthia Erivo playing an empowered (yet conflicted) witch fighting the good fight and facing the consequences.
Pro-social messages abound, says @natemup.com in his review. buff.ly/FaoDOye
Pro-social messages abound, says @natemup.com in his review. buff.ly/FaoDOye
Archbishop Shelton Fabre and Bishop Joseph Perry have served a combined 45 years in the episcopate, including national roles promoting anti-racism.
During #USCCB25, the African-American prelates shared with @natemup.com about Black Catholic History Month. buff.ly/hC0hb6c
During #USCCB25, the African-American prelates shared with @natemup.com about Black Catholic History Month. buff.ly/hC0hb6c
November 23, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Archbishop Shelton Fabre and Bishop Joseph Perry have served a combined 45 years in the episcopate, including national roles promoting anti-racism.
During #USCCB25, the African-American prelates shared with @natemup.com about Black Catholic History Month. buff.ly/hC0hb6c
During #USCCB25, the African-American prelates shared with @natemup.com about Black Catholic History Month. buff.ly/hC0hb6c
Bishop Roy E. Campbell Jr. of Washington is serving beyond the normal episcopal retirement age, using his voice to "stand up for the truth"—including the divine mandate of DEI and the legacy of Black Catholics.
@natemup.com spoke with the prelate at #USCCB25. buff.ly/vhElpvY
@natemup.com spoke with the prelate at #USCCB25. buff.ly/vhElpvY
November 20, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Bishop Roy E. Campbell Jr. of Washington is serving beyond the normal episcopal retirement age, using his voice to "stand up for the truth"—including the divine mandate of DEI and the legacy of Black Catholics.
@natemup.com spoke with the prelate at #USCCB25. buff.ly/vhElpvY
@natemup.com spoke with the prelate at #USCCB25. buff.ly/vhElpvY
Mega-philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has given $38 million to Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation's Catholic HBCU.
The historic gift surpasses her $20M donation to XULA in 2020 as the largest private donation in the school's 100-year history. buff.ly/cFGdTfD
The historic gift surpasses her $20M donation to XULA in 2020 as the largest private donation in the school's 100-year history. buff.ly/cFGdTfD
November 20, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Mega-philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has given $38 million to Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation's Catholic HBCU.
The historic gift surpasses her $20M donation to XULA in 2020 as the largest private donation in the school's 100-year history. buff.ly/cFGdTfD
The historic gift surpasses her $20M donation to XULA in 2020 as the largest private donation in the school's 100-year history. buff.ly/cFGdTfD
The Black Catholic community has long been in crisis, with dwindling numbers and a failure to inspire the next generation to seize their legacy.
James Conway writes that racism, too, leaves the Church's African Americans with only just (yet not) enough. buff.ly/cBvfIuD
James Conway writes that racism, too, leaves the Church's African Americans with only just (yet not) enough. buff.ly/cBvfIuD
November 18, 2025 at 4:24 PM
The Black Catholic community has long been in crisis, with dwindling numbers and a failure to inspire the next generation to seize their legacy.
James Conway writes that racism, too, leaves the Church's African Americans with only just (yet not) enough. buff.ly/cBvfIuD
James Conway writes that racism, too, leaves the Church's African Americans with only just (yet not) enough. buff.ly/cBvfIuD
Veronica Downs-Dorsey, a revered New Orleans teacher and musician with international impact, died this month after an illness and over 55 years of ministry.
Her packed-out funeral saw hundreds pay tribute to a Black Catholic seemingly larger than life. buff.ly/CfVmnKG
Her packed-out funeral saw hundreds pay tribute to a Black Catholic seemingly larger than life. buff.ly/CfVmnKG
November 16, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Veronica Downs-Dorsey, a revered New Orleans teacher and musician with international impact, died this month after an illness and over 55 years of ministry.
Her packed-out funeral saw hundreds pay tribute to a Black Catholic seemingly larger than life. buff.ly/CfVmnKG
Her packed-out funeral saw hundreds pay tribute to a Black Catholic seemingly larger than life. buff.ly/CfVmnKG