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Black Catholicism and Social Activism

  • Writer: August Darbonne
    August Darbonne
  • Sep 26, 2024
  • 2 min read


First Four Black American SVD Priest. Image used under Creative Commons

Recent trends indicate growing conservatism within the United States Catholic Church, its institutions, and its faithful (Sullivan et al., 2024). This stands in stark contrast to my experiences growing up in predominantly Catholic South Louisiana, where the Church served as a cornerstone for community life. I saw Catholic parishes actively engaged in social justice initiatives, running food banks, clothing drives, and providing assistance to those in need. Prominent civil rights leaders, such as Homer Plessy and A.P. Tureaud, identified as Catholic parishioners, further illustrating the Church's role in advocacy (Lawrence, n.d.).


It was only upon entering college that I began to learn and grasp the tumultuous racial history of the Catholic Church in the United States. From its participation in the slave trade to the segregation that has persisted both within and outside its walls, the Church has navigated a complicated relationship with Black and other communities of color. However, these historical injustices should not overshadow the significant contributions of Black Catholics to social activism.


Throughout history, many Black activists have drawn inspiration from their Catholic faith in their fight for justice. Norman C. Francis, the first Black Catholic graduate of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and later president of Xavier University of Louisiana, sheltered Freedom Riders in 1961 during his tenure. Similarly, Franciscan Sister of Mary Mary Antona Ebo marched alongside Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965, proclaiming, “I’m here because I’m a Negro, a nun, a Catholic, and because I want to bear witness.” The formation of the National Black Clergy Caucus exemplifies how Black clergy have come together to address the challenges faced by both Black Catholics and the broader secular Black community.


Despite a growing conservative movement within the American Catholic Church, a 2021 nationwide survey indicated that Black Catholics view the fight against racism and sexism as essential to their faith (Davison, 2021; Pew Research Center, 2021). Nonetheless, they continue to be confronted with racism from within the Church. In 2021, Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez, head of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, referred to social justice movements as “pseudo-religions” and cautioned Catholics to distance themselves from them (Butler, 2021). For many Black Catholics, however, engagement with these movements is intertwined with their lives and spiritual practices. Dismantling systemic racism in both the Church and society is not merely an option but a necessity.


In summary, the ongoing struggle for social justice within the Catholic Church underscores the vital role that Black Catholics play in advocating for change. Their faith inspires not only personal conviction but also collective action, making a compelling case for a more inclusive and equitable Church and society.


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