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
Reposted by Black Catholic Messenger
"Dr. Pratt’s work is an unapologetic statement in scholarly form that we, #Black #Catholics, are here and we matter... This [book] is essential to a salient conversation at the intersection of #Race and #Religion, especially here in the United States." ~Black Catholic Messenger @tiaphd.bsky.social
January 7, 2026 at 9:54 PM
"Dr. Pratt’s work is an unapologetic statement in scholarly form that we, #Black #Catholics, are here and we matter... This [book] is essential to a salient conversation at the intersection of #Race and #Religion, especially here in the United States." ~Black Catholic Messenger @tiaphd.bsky.social
Reposted by Black Catholic Messenger
"Seen through the lens of the Christmas season, this moment carries particular weight. The Christian tradition insists that power must always be accountable to justice, and that ends do not sanctify means."
As the Christmas season comes to a close, Dr. Malcolm K. Oliver reflects on the political and moral crisis facing America as the world looks on.
He writes that a commitment to solidarity and human dignity must overcome the base urges of power. www.blackcatholicmes...
He writes that a commitment to solidarity and human dignity must overcome the base urges of power. www.blackcatholicmes...
January 10, 2026 at 7:58 PM
"Seen through the lens of the Christmas season, this moment carries particular weight. The Christian tradition insists that power must always be accountable to justice, and that ends do not sanctify means."
As the Christmas season comes to a close, Dr. Malcolm K. Oliver reflects on the political and moral crisis facing America as the world looks on.
He writes that a commitment to solidarity and human dignity must overcome the base urges of power. www.blackcatholicmes...
He writes that a commitment to solidarity and human dignity must overcome the base urges of power. www.blackcatholicmes...
January 10, 2026 at 7:53 PM
As the Christmas season comes to a close, Dr. Malcolm K. Oliver reflects on the political and moral crisis facing America as the world looks on.
He writes that a commitment to solidarity and human dignity must overcome the base urges of power. www.blackcatholicmes...
He writes that a commitment to solidarity and human dignity must overcome the base urges of power. www.blackcatholicmes...
Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed on Jan. 19, and dozens of commemorative events taking place around the country will have Catholic connections.
Find one near you with our handy annual listing. www.blackcatholicmes...
Find one near you with our handy annual listing. www.blackcatholicmes...
January 9, 2026 at 9:19 PM
Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed on Jan. 19, and dozens of commemorative events taking place around the country will have Catholic connections.
Find one near you with our handy annual listing. www.blackcatholicmes...
Find one near you with our handy annual listing. www.blackcatholicmes...
Jari Honora has been named Louisianan of the Year by the Georges Media Group for his uncovering of Pope Leo XIV's Black Creole ancestry, fueling increased interest in the first American pope.
It is but the latest honor for the 34-year-old genealogist. www.blackcatholicmes...
It is but the latest honor for the 34-year-old genealogist. www.blackcatholicmes...
January 7, 2026 at 12:28 AM
Jari Honora has been named Louisianan of the Year by the Georges Media Group for his uncovering of Pope Leo XIV's Black Creole ancestry, fueling increased interest in the first American pope.
It is but the latest honor for the 34-year-old genealogist. www.blackcatholicmes...
It is but the latest honor for the 34-year-old genealogist. www.blackcatholicmes...
Reposted by Black Catholic Messenger
"It seems that he did engage with his Blackness, at the very least in the confessional booth. In 'God’s Men of Color,' Fr [Albert] Foley recounts multiple stories wherein penitents confessed their racism to Healy, after which he gently confronts them on their ignorance..."
Bishop James A. Healy of Portland in Maine was the nation's first openly Black Catholic prelate, but passed for White after escaping slavery in the South as a child in the 1830s.
Tulio Huggins writes that his story is both complicated and inspirational. buff.ly/JSrlDqC
Tulio Huggins writes that his story is both complicated and inspirational. buff.ly/JSrlDqC
January 5, 2026 at 7:39 PM
"It seems that he did engage with his Blackness, at the very least in the confessional booth. In 'God’s Men of Color,' Fr [Albert] Foley recounts multiple stories wherein penitents confessed their racism to Healy, after which he gently confronts them on their ignorance..."
Bishop James A. Healy of Portland in Maine was the nation's first openly Black Catholic prelate, but passed for White after escaping slavery in the South as a child in the 1830s.
Tulio Huggins writes that his story is both complicated and inspirational. buff.ly/JSrlDqC
Tulio Huggins writes that his story is both complicated and inspirational. buff.ly/JSrlDqC
January 5, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Bishop James A. Healy of Portland in Maine was the nation's first openly Black Catholic prelate, but passed for White after escaping slavery in the South as a child in the 1830s.
Tulio Huggins writes that his story is both complicated and inspirational. buff.ly/JSrlDqC
Tulio Huggins writes that his story is both complicated and inspirational. buff.ly/JSrlDqC
Amid assaults on human dignity nationwide and a general disregard for the poor and forgotten, the witness of Christian leaders has been lackluster, writes Dr. Ronald E. Smith.
He says it's high time for religious shepherds to fulfill their sacred duty. buff.ly/J01iFmj
He says it's high time for religious shepherds to fulfill their sacred duty. buff.ly/J01iFmj
January 4, 2026 at 3:51 PM
Amid assaults on human dignity nationwide and a general disregard for the poor and forgotten, the witness of Christian leaders has been lackluster, writes Dr. Ronald E. Smith.
He says it's high time for religious shepherds to fulfill their sacred duty. buff.ly/J01iFmj
He says it's high time for religious shepherds to fulfill their sacred duty. buff.ly/J01iFmj
The United States invaded Venezuela Saturday, conducting deadly airstrikes and abducting President Nicolás Maduro and his wife over U.S. charges of narcoterrorism.
Black Catholics in America and abroad have condemned the move as an illegal act of war. www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/us-invades-v...
Black Catholics in America and abroad have condemned the move as an illegal act of war. www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/us-invades-v...
January 3, 2026 at 7:26 PM
The United States invaded Venezuela Saturday, conducting deadly airstrikes and abducting President Nicolás Maduro and his wife over U.S. charges of narcoterrorism.
Black Catholics in America and abroad have condemned the move as an illegal act of war. www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/us-invades-v...
Black Catholics in America and abroad have condemned the move as an illegal act of war. www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/us-invades-v...
Reposted by Black Catholic Messenger
"For many Black Catholics, the issue is not whether the Church moved to combat racial harm, but rather if the response was sufficient to meet the powerful wave of forces so adamant on preserving the status quo, keeping Black people out of mobility and access to opportunity."
2025 was a painful year for Black Americans, with the Trump administration fueling hatred and leaving many to live in fear.
Efran Menny writes that Catholic leaders did not speak up as they could have, and that this must change in the new year. buff.ly/wi1Qgty
Efran Menny writes that Catholic leaders did not speak up as they could have, and that this must change in the new year. buff.ly/wi1Qgty
January 1, 2026 at 7:04 PM
"For many Black Catholics, the issue is not whether the Church moved to combat racial harm, but rather if the response was sufficient to meet the powerful wave of forces so adamant on preserving the status quo, keeping Black people out of mobility and access to opportunity."
2025 was a painful year for Black Americans, with the Trump administration fueling hatred and leaving many to live in fear.
Efran Menny writes that Catholic leaders did not speak up as they could have, and that this must change in the new year. buff.ly/wi1Qgty
Efran Menny writes that Catholic leaders did not speak up as they could have, and that this must change in the new year. buff.ly/wi1Qgty
January 1, 2026 at 6:57 PM
2025 was a painful year for Black Americans, with the Trump administration fueling hatred and leaving many to live in fear.
Efran Menny writes that Catholic leaders did not speak up as they could have, and that this must change in the new year. buff.ly/wi1Qgty
Efran Menny writes that Catholic leaders did not speak up as they could have, and that this must change in the new year. buff.ly/wi1Qgty
Reposted by Black Catholic Messenger
"[Avatar: Fire and Ash] continues the story of humans (known in Pandora as 'sky people') attempting to assert their will in Pandora because they have destroyed Earth. In this film, the battle reaches its epic climax, requiring all of Pandora to fight to protect their home."
"Avatar: Fire and Ash" brings back the quest for Na'vi freedom with visuals more stunning than ever, while enhancing the narrative with complex themes of faith, loss, and self-preservation.
Samantha Smith reviews the new action flick from James Cameron. buff.ly/X2ZmLLb
Samantha Smith reviews the new action flick from James Cameron. buff.ly/X2ZmLLb
December 31, 2025 at 9:46 PM
"[Avatar: Fire and Ash] continues the story of humans (known in Pandora as 'sky people') attempting to assert their will in Pandora because they have destroyed Earth. In this film, the battle reaches its epic climax, requiring all of Pandora to fight to protect their home."
"Avatar: Fire and Ash" brings back the quest for Na'vi freedom with visuals more stunning than ever, while enhancing the narrative with complex themes of faith, loss, and self-preservation.
Samantha Smith reviews the new action flick from James Cameron. buff.ly/X2ZmLLb
Samantha Smith reviews the new action flick from James Cameron. buff.ly/X2ZmLLb
December 31, 2025 at 9:19 PM
"Avatar: Fire and Ash" brings back the quest for Na'vi freedom with visuals more stunning than ever, while enhancing the narrative with complex themes of faith, loss, and self-preservation.
Samantha Smith reviews the new action flick from James Cameron. buff.ly/X2ZmLLb
Samantha Smith reviews the new action flick from James Cameron. buff.ly/X2ZmLLb
Some corners of American culture have deemed alcohol a sin in itself, despite centuries of its use as a social enhancement in moderation and even as a form of divine sacrifice.
Alexander Walton writes that it's time to return to the wisdom of wine. buff.ly/YL67dxT
Alexander Walton writes that it's time to return to the wisdom of wine. buff.ly/YL67dxT
December 30, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Some corners of American culture have deemed alcohol a sin in itself, despite centuries of its use as a social enhancement in moderation and even as a form of divine sacrifice.
Alexander Walton writes that it's time to return to the wisdom of wine. buff.ly/YL67dxT
Alexander Walton writes that it's time to return to the wisdom of wine. buff.ly/YL67dxT
Kevin Willmott's piercing 2006 mockumentary "C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America" showed an America where the Union lost the Civil War.
The unsettling film still resonates, as Matt Memrick explores in a new interview with the Black Catholic filmmaker. buff.ly/5xrzp1T
The unsettling film still resonates, as Matt Memrick explores in a new interview with the Black Catholic filmmaker. buff.ly/5xrzp1T
December 27, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Kevin Willmott's piercing 2006 mockumentary "C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America" showed an America where the Union lost the Civil War.
The unsettling film still resonates, as Matt Memrick explores in a new interview with the Black Catholic filmmaker. buff.ly/5xrzp1T
The unsettling film still resonates, as Matt Memrick explores in a new interview with the Black Catholic filmmaker. buff.ly/5xrzp1T
In a 1964 letter to the Hon. Elijah Muhammad, the Black Muslim revolutionary Malcolm X said he modeled his method of spreading Islam after the Christian apostles, especially St. Paul.
Dcn Tim Tilghman says this can teach us about Black Catholic renewal. buff.ly/ypfL4AN
Dcn Tim Tilghman says this can teach us about Black Catholic renewal. buff.ly/ypfL4AN
December 26, 2025 at 12:05 PM
In a 1964 letter to the Hon. Elijah Muhammad, the Black Muslim revolutionary Malcolm X said he modeled his method of spreading Islam after the Christian apostles, especially St. Paul.
Dcn Tim Tilghman says this can teach us about Black Catholic renewal. buff.ly/ypfL4AN
Dcn Tim Tilghman says this can teach us about Black Catholic renewal. buff.ly/ypfL4AN
Reposted by Black Catholic Messenger
There's perhaps no better way to celebrate the Christmas octave than to tap into Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
Kwanzaa is almost here, and Catholic institutions around the country will celebrate events promoting the "Nguzo Saba" (Seven Principles) of the weeklong commemoration from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Check out our handy national listing to find an event near you. buff.ly/ZrY9hoO
Check out our handy national listing to find an event near you. buff.ly/ZrY9hoO
December 25, 2025 at 8:26 PM
There's perhaps no better way to celebrate the Christmas octave than to tap into Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
Kwanzaa is almost here, and Catholic institutions around the country will celebrate events promoting the "Nguzo Saba" (Seven Principles) of the weeklong commemoration from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Check out our handy national listing to find an event near you. buff.ly/ZrY9hoO
Check out our handy national listing to find an event near you. buff.ly/ZrY9hoO
December 25, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Kwanzaa is almost here, and Catholic institutions around the country will celebrate events promoting the "Nguzo Saba" (Seven Principles) of the weeklong commemoration from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Check out our handy national listing to find an event near you. buff.ly/ZrY9hoO
Check out our handy national listing to find an event near you. buff.ly/ZrY9hoO
Reposted by Black Catholic Messenger
Check out the latest episode of the Black Catholic Messenger podcast, in which a father-daughter duo explore the history and purpose of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the link between faith, wellness, and forward-thinking activism.
Dr. John F. Leeke, who spent his five-decade career promoting DEI with the nation's top companies and schools, has published a new memoir.
The Black Catholic advocate joins his coauthor and daughter, @anandaleeke.bsky.social on the latest episode of the BCM show. buff.ly/Veuf4wH
The Black Catholic advocate joins his coauthor and daughter, @anandaleeke.bsky.social on the latest episode of the BCM show. buff.ly/Veuf4wH
December 24, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Check out the latest episode of the Black Catholic Messenger podcast, in which a father-daughter duo explore the history and purpose of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the link between faith, wellness, and forward-thinking activism.
Dr. John F. Leeke, who spent his five-decade career promoting DEI with the nation's top companies and schools, has published a new memoir.
The Black Catholic advocate joins his coauthor and daughter, @anandaleeke.bsky.social on the latest episode of the BCM show. buff.ly/Veuf4wH
The Black Catholic advocate joins his coauthor and daughter, @anandaleeke.bsky.social on the latest episode of the BCM show. buff.ly/Veuf4wH
December 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Dr. John F. Leeke, who spent his five-decade career promoting DEI with the nation's top companies and schools, has published a new memoir.
The Black Catholic advocate joins his coauthor and daughter, @anandaleeke.bsky.social on the latest episode of the BCM show. buff.ly/Veuf4wH
The Black Catholic advocate joins his coauthor and daughter, @anandaleeke.bsky.social on the latest episode of the BCM show. buff.ly/Veuf4wH
Reposted by Black Catholic Messenger
"Black worship is totally Catholic in cultural expression and iteration. In articulating what it means to bring her full Black self in all of its expression to the Church, [Servant of God Thea Bowman] remarked to the bishops: 'That doesn’t frighten you, does it?'"
St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Denver is home to a diverse congregation, including Black Catholics who have seen gospel music hymnals reportedly thrown in the trash under a new pastor.
Dr. M. Roger Holland II explores the racist elements at play. buff.ly/EvLhbZA
Dr. M. Roger Holland II explores the racist elements at play. buff.ly/EvLhbZA
December 22, 2025 at 11:34 PM
"Black worship is totally Catholic in cultural expression and iteration. In articulating what it means to bring her full Black self in all of its expression to the Church, [Servant of God Thea Bowman] remarked to the bishops: 'That doesn’t frighten you, does it?'"
St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Denver is home to a diverse congregation, including Black Catholics who have seen gospel music hymnals reportedly thrown in the trash under a new pastor.
Dr. M. Roger Holland II explores the racist elements at play. buff.ly/EvLhbZA
Dr. M. Roger Holland II explores the racist elements at play. buff.ly/EvLhbZA
December 22, 2025 at 11:31 PM
St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Denver is home to a diverse congregation, including Black Catholics who have seen gospel music hymnals reportedly thrown in the trash under a new pastor.
Dr. M. Roger Holland II explores the racist elements at play. buff.ly/EvLhbZA
Dr. M. Roger Holland II explores the racist elements at play. buff.ly/EvLhbZA
Dr. Tia Noelle Pratt's "Black and Catholic: Racism, Identity, and Religion" explores sociological themes among African-American Catholics, bridging a gap in academic treatments of American religion.
Rana Irby reviews the new text with high praise. buff.ly/ytb4cZg
Rana Irby reviews the new text with high praise. buff.ly/ytb4cZg
December 22, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Dr. Tia Noelle Pratt's "Black and Catholic: Racism, Identity, and Religion" explores sociological themes among African-American Catholics, bridging a gap in academic treatments of American religion.
Rana Irby reviews the new text with high praise. buff.ly/ytb4cZg
Rana Irby reviews the new text with high praise. buff.ly/ytb4cZg
Reposted by Black Catholic Messenger
"DiIulio argued that 'moral poverty' was to blame for the upcoming societal threat posed by young boys. His solution, therefore, was 'religion' and investing in churches to provide services that would boost social and economic development, especially in low-income Black neighborhoods."
30 years ago, a Catholic professor coined the term "superpredator", setting off a chain of racist fearmongering that has fueled persistent myths about Black crime, especially among youths.
Alessandra Harris writes that it's high time we correct the record. buff.ly/p1mgtCX
Alessandra Harris writes that it's high time we correct the record. buff.ly/p1mgtCX
December 20, 2025 at 11:54 PM
"DiIulio argued that 'moral poverty' was to blame for the upcoming societal threat posed by young boys. His solution, therefore, was 'religion' and investing in churches to provide services that would boost social and economic development, especially in low-income Black neighborhoods."
30 years ago, a Catholic professor coined the term "superpredator", setting off a chain of racist fearmongering that has fueled persistent myths about Black crime, especially among youths.
Alessandra Harris writes that it's high time we correct the record. buff.ly/p1mgtCX
Alessandra Harris writes that it's high time we correct the record. buff.ly/p1mgtCX
December 20, 2025 at 11:50 PM
30 years ago, a Catholic professor coined the term "superpredator", setting off a chain of racist fearmongering that has fueled persistent myths about Black crime, especially among youths.
Alessandra Harris writes that it's high time we correct the record. buff.ly/p1mgtCX
Alessandra Harris writes that it's high time we correct the record. buff.ly/p1mgtCX