Throughout the month of November, the Catholic Church in the United States marks National Black Catholic History Month. Established by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus in 1990, this observance serves to highlight the rich contributions of Black Catholics to the Church and to society, while also fostering a deeper understanding of their history, spirituality and cultural heritage.
The month of November holds profound meaning within the Church, traditionally a time when the faithful remember all saints and souls. By aligning Black Catholic History Month with this period, the caucus emphasized the importance of recognizing the lives and legacies of Black saints and martyrs, as well as the spiritual heritage that has emerged from Africa and the African Diaspora.
African American Catholics have been present in the Diocese of Raleigh since Bishop John England visited William Gaston’s plantation in New Bern in May 1821.
“Although our voices and presence were not always heard or welcomed, our commitment to bring our culture to the Catholic Church in North Carolina has never wavered,” said Jennifer Jones, administrator for the diocesan African Ancestry Ministry and Evangelization Network (AAMEN).
In their own words
As the diocese celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, we hear from people active in the AAMEN community as they reflect on the Black Catholic experience in the Diocese of Raleigh.