Presented by Dr. Ansel Augustine, Msgr. Ray East, ValLimar Jansen
Each a national leader in their own ministry, our guests shared their reflections on how their ministries, entrusted to them by God, continue the journey of Black Catholics in the U.S. Catholic Church.
This was the second session in November offered in celebration of Black Catholic History Month. Watch the first session here.
Resources recommended by our presenters:
Video recordings of November sessions held in celebration of Black History Month:
- November 17: Sisters of Selma
- November 19: Three Black Catholics Continuing the Journey
Suggested videos:
- Black Faith Matters: Created by Spirit Juice Entertainment Group, a short documentary sheds light on one story of the Black Catholic experiences, specifically in the Tremé portion of New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Selma: In our preparation meetings with the women who presented the Sisters of Selma session, they said that this movie resonated with their experiences of what transpired those days on the bridge in Selma.
- True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality: Told primarily in Bryan Stevenson’s own words, True Justice is about what we need to do as a nation to bring about a new era of truth and justice. The documentary won an Emmy for Outstanding Social Issue in September 2020. You may want to be sure your teacher friends know about the lesson plans and resources.
Articles:
- Does Black Life Matter? Why racism and police brutality are right to life issues by Dr. Ansel Augustine for Busted Halo, August 2014.
- Msgr. Ray East on African American Spirituality, U.S. Catholic, March 2014.
- Sisters of Selma Q & A: A series of interviews with Catholic sisters and former sisters who worked and/or marched in Selma, Alabama, in 1965.
- GSR In the Classroom: Lessons on Race Relations by Global Sisters Report. Six lessons for students, with teacher guides that provide vital context and engaging activities to launch group discussions.
- Gregory's selection as first African American cardinal shows 'Black leadership matters’ by Christopher White, National Catholic Reporter, October 2020.
- 158 Resources to Understand Racism in America by Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, June 2020.
- Black sisters urge US Catholics, church leaders to do more to end racism by Carol Zimmerman, Catholic News Service, September 2020.
Books:
- The History of Black Catholics in the United States by Cyprian Davis.
- Sister Thea Bowman
Websites:
- National Black Catholic Congress
- Black Catholic Saints
- Learn more about U.S. Black Catholics whose cause for canonization has been opened
- National Black Sisters Conference
See other past and upcoming sessions for NCR Forward members!