Liturgy
'Total Praise' and the soul of Black worship: In memory of Richard Smallwood
Samantha Smith on the significance of the late Richard Smallwood, whose music and ministry has had lasting impact on the American Church.
Why a Denver priest was wrong to treat Black Catholic hymnals like garbage
Dr. M. Roger Holland II on the racist errors that caused a significantly Black parish in Colorado to lose a hallmark of African-American liturgy.
Upcoming historical marker will honor Fr Clarence Rivers, 'father of Black Catholic liturgy'
He was the first Black priest in the Cincinnati Archdiocese and the first Black Catholic liturgist to compose African-American sacred music.
Veronica Downs-Dorsey, esteemed Black Catholic musician and educator, laid to rest in New Orleans
The internationally known pianist, singer, and educator died on the Feast of St. Martin de Porres after more than 55 years of ministry.
Catholic Harlem is a gift to (and from) the global Church.
Félix Cepeda on his experience of the cultural interplay present in the heart and faith of Black Manhattan.
Podcast: Cardinal Wilton Gregory on 40 years of episcopal ministry and Black Catholic history
Eric T. Styles interviews the retired African-American prelate on liturgy, the reforms of Pope Francis, and the nascent Pope Leo XIV.
Blackness and the Paschal candle: A reflection
Shari Evans narrates her creative (and spiritual) process in designing Afrocentric Paschal candles for the historic "Black basilica" in Virginia.
An Orthodox monastery made me wonder: Will Black people find a home in the Catholic Church?
A community of Greek sisters in Quebec reignites in a Catholic priest the longing for a Church that is conscious of Black identity.
Podcast: Chris Ellis on answering the call to the permanent diaconate (BCM show #15)
The Black Catholic D.C. native sat down with BCM to discuss culture, calling, and the need for greater commitment to evangelization.
A one-size-fits-all Mass doesn't serve Black Catholics.
Efran Menny on the need for a culturally aware liturgical experience that doesn't alienate the few in favor of the many.
Lyke Conference and Unity Explosion set for June 2025
The two Black Catholic gatherings have not been held in the same year since 2018, when Unity Explosion last held a full conference.
Cathedral plaque honors late Bishop Fernand Cheri III of New Orleans
The late Black Franciscan prelate served the archdiocese from 2015 until his death in 2023 following extended illnesses.
'Hip-Hop Mass' brings African-American Catholic flair in Atlanta
The new composition premiered this month in Georgia at the Lyke House Catholic Center, with a planned expansion due in the coming months.
Charleston parish plans renovation, African-American cultural center
The 186-year-old congregation is central to the history of Charleston Black Catholics, and is the only Black parish left in the city limits.
'Seeking for a City' Black Catholic academic symposium connects histories, dreams new futures
The event marked twin anniversaries for African Americans in the Church, while looking forward to the future of ethnic expression and liberation.