Fr Bill Norvel, SSJ, first African-American male superior general, dead at 90
The Mississippi-born priest combated racism, spread Black Catholic liturgy, and served as the first Black male superior general in U.S. history.
Activism
Norman C. Francis, first lay president at Xavier University of Louisiana, dead at 94
The former civil rights lawyer led the school for nearly 50 years, from the Civil Rights Movement through Hurricane Katrina and beyond.
Former 2 Live Crew rapper Luther 'Uncle Luke' Campbell running for Congress
The 65-year-old musician is primarying Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida, who faces federal fraud charges as she runs for reelection.
Ahead of expiration date, advocates seek extension of protected status for Haitian migrants
TPS status for Haitian migrants is scheduled to expire on Feb. 3, and a lawsuit seeking an emergency injunction could see a ruling on Monday.
King, Gandhi, and Thurman: The necessary formation behind nonviolence and resistance
Dr. Malcolm K. Oliver explores the influences that made Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. an apostle of nonviolence and how we too can learn and be sent.
Black Catholics must be prophets of resistance in the current American crisis.
Daryl Grigsby on the experiential wisdom with which African Americans in the Church can speak truth to power and call for community renewal.
In this time of moral crisis, where are the shepherds?
Dr. Ronald E. Smith on the need for activism from religious leaders amid the current sociopolitical moment—and the consequences of inaction.
Historic Black Catholic parish in Lebeau, Louisiana, to unveil historical marker
Immaculate Conception Church has faced various challenges in its 128-year history, but is leaning on faith as it celebrates history this year.
'As long as the Lord gives me strength': Auxiliary Bishop Roy E. Campbell Jr. of Washington on continued ministry and the fight for justice and diversity
WASHINGTON — Auxiliary Bishop Roy E. Campbell, Jr., the nation’s most senior African-American Catholic active prelate and an advocate against injustice, says his ministry beyond the normal episcopal retirement age is one of speaking truth, remembering the forgotten, and advocating for Black Catholics. The 78-year-old prelate has served in Washington
Assata Shakur, famed Black revolutionary and erstwhile political prisoner, dead at 78
The African-American Catholic convert was convicted on trumped-up murder charges in 1977 following a N.J. shootout, before escaping prison to Cuba.
Black prelate's essay on DEI deleted by U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Auxiliary Bishop Roy E. Campbell Jr. of Washington
Bishop Robert Barron praises late far-right activist Charlie Kirk following fatal shooting
The Trump-aligned prelate called the young influencer a man of "considerable charm" and "goodness of heart" despite his racist and violent views.
U.S. Catholic bishops' ad hoc anti-racism committee to be made permanent
The eight-year-old committee, founded in 2017 to address the sin of racism, has been chaired by African-American prelates throughout its history.
Sharon Lavigne, 'Cancer Alley' activist, granted honorary Italian citizenship
The Louisiana native received the honor while in the country for meetings with students, fellow climate advocates, and top Vatican officials.
Joseph McNeil, civil rights pioneer and member of the Greensboro Four, dead at 83
The Catholic-raised activist later served in the Air Force and was the recipient of numerous honors for his work in sparking the sit-in movement.
Charles Prejean Sr., activist and Black Catholic leader, laid to rest in Atlanta
The Louisiana native was a force in the cooperative movement and addressing Black land loss, before transitioning to chancery ministry in Atlanta.