The Black Catholic Messenger show

Summary Givonna Joseph and Aria M. Mason discuss the mission of OperaCréole; their efforts to perform and record the long-lost opera "Morgiane" by the late Black composer Edmond Dédé; and the cultural context significance of their work in New Orleans. They explore themes of empowerment, resistance, and the rich history of Black women in the arts, while also looking ahead to future projects that ho...

Summary In this conversation, we discuss the importance of ecumenism, particularly within the Black community, and reflect on the historical context of Christian unity. We explore the significance of the Council of Nicaea, its 1700th anniversary in 2025, the role of love in ecumenical efforts, and the challenges of unity among different Christian traditions. The discussion also touches on the impa...

Show notes Nate Tinner-Williams engages with Dr. John F Leeke and his daughter Ananda Leeke, co-authors of "American Change Agent: A Life & Legacy of Seeking Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion." They discuss their backgrounds, the journey of writing their book, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today's society. The conversation explores the intersection of faith a...

Fr Samuel Davis, a priest of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, joins the BCM show to discsuss his testimony, his philosophy of ministry, and how Catholics and Orthodox can come together in understanding of and outreach to the Black community. 01:46 Cultural and Racial Identity in Faith 04:43 Experiences of Suffering and Faith 07:36 The Role of Sacramental Life 10:32 Conclusion and Reflect...

Deacon Henok Elias shares his journey from being a nominal Christian to becoming a deacon in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He discusses the significance of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches, the role of the diaconate, and the unique aspects of Ethiopian Orthodox liturgy and worship practices. The conversation also touches on the importance of education and community engagement, as well as th...

Josephite seminarian Eric T. Styles has as his guest the world's first and, as of this date, only African-American cardinal, Wilton Gregory, the Archbishop Emeritus of Washington. His Eminence recently returned from Rome after participating in the funeral rites for Pope Francis and voting in the 2025 papal conclave. Show notes: "The lector--minister of the word: an historical and liturgical study...

Chris Ellis Jr., a Black Catholic D.C. native, sits down with Nate Tinner-Williams discuss culture, calling, and the need for greater commitment to evangelization. Music: Gunnar Gundersen ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.org https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com donate @ https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-...

Dr. Mario Dance, a retired veterinarian and cofounder of the Catholic Evangelical Missionary People of Color (CEMPOC) grant, tells Nate Tinner-Williams about his story, the organization, and what it takes to diversify campus evangelization in the U.S. Church. Intro music: Gunnar Gundersen ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.org https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories   https://facebook.com/blackcatholicm...

We back! The crew discusses news of note from the past several weeks, including Gunnar's opinion piece on a recent trip to a slave plantation in disguise, Alessandra's TV appearance and America Magazine op-ed on mass incarceration, and Nate's recent piece on Black Catholic history in North Florida. ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.com https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories https://facebook.com/blackc...

Members of the BCM team (Alessandra Harris, Gunnar Gundersen, and Stephen Staten) offer reflections on the month's news, including Gloria Purvis' new podcast, Fr James Altman's removal and resistance, and the treatment of LGBT Catholics in the Church. ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.com https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger https://instagram.com/blackcath...

Lydia Ocasio-Stoutenburg joins Alessandra Harris for a discussion about motherhood, family, and faith. ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.com https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com donate @ https://givebutter.com/hEseXK podcast page (all major platforms): https://blackcatholicmessenger.libsyn.com/

Irorobeje Crystal Owhoso-Maddox, of Indianapolis' young adult Black Catholic ministry, joins Nate on this episode to discuss all things controversial. (Amanda Gorman, David L. Gray, liturgy, racism, etc. Ya know, the light stuff.) story references: - https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.com/amanda-gorman-black-catholic/ - https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/amanda-gorman-inaugural-poet-for-biden...

On this episode, Nate, Alessandra, and Stephen Staten are joined by Jessica Yap and Rosalie Chan to discuss the ongoing crisis of Anti-Asian hate crimes, and how Black Catholics can stand in solidarity. - St Martin's Corner, the Bay Area racial justice collab with which Stephen, Jessica, and Rosalie are involved: https://www.facebook.com/StMartinsCorner/ - Rosalie on Twitter: @rosaliechan17 - Jess...

Jalissa Pollard joins the show to talk about her trailblazing book, "My Grandma is a Lady", her journey into Black Catholic parish life, her passion for faith and Black culture, and her plans for future ministry. Buy her book: https://g.co/kgs/65ysz7 Follow her on IG: @jayybouquet Follow her on Twitter: @TheYSS_Writes ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.com https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories https:/...

Dede Miller joins Alessandra Harris and Nate Tinner-Williams to discuss Bishop Barron's recent article on "wokeism", and also to explain the organization she helps to run, Catholics United for Black Lives. Bishop Barron's column: https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/article/wokeism-in-france-the-chickens-coming-home-to-roost/29871/ Catholics United for Black Lives: https://www.cubl.org/ ~~ https:/...

Cory Frontin joins Nate Tinner-Williams to discuss Michael Heinlein's new Black saints book with Our Sunday Visitor, racism, subsidiarity, and so much more. (Forgive the sound quality! 😁) ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.com https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com donate @ https://givebutter.com/hEseXK podcas...

Co-hosts Alessandra Harris and Gunnar Gundersen discuss the recent event at Catholic University of America involving Abby Johnson, and the resulting fallout involving the school's administration. ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.com ​ https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories ​ https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmes... ​ https://instagram.com/blackcatholicme... ​ donate @ https://givebutter.com/hEseXK ​...

In this episode, Alessandra Harris, and Mary Bast chat with Olga Segura about Black Catholic witness in the modern age, and about her new book "Birth of a Movement: Black Lives Matter and the Catholic Church". https://www.orbisbooks.com/birth-of-a-movement-black-lives-matter-and-the-catholic-church.html ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.com https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories https://facebook.com/b...

In this episode of the Black Catholic Messenger show, Nate Tinner-Williams and Alessandra Harris are joined by Rana Irby to discuss an EWTN hit piece on Amanda Gorman concerning abortion, liturgical mayhem reported in Charlotte by National Catholic Reporter, and Pope Francis' unintentional response to the madness with his address to Italian ministers on Vatican II. ~ Show Notes: 1. Amanda Gorman s...

Welcome to the Black Catholic Messenger Show, a podcast where we keep it Black and we keep it Catholic. In this episode, we discuss the formation, mission, and work of Black Catholic Messenger (including the inspiring example of the late great Daniel Rudd), Black authorship and ownership, and some current events—including our newly inaugurated queen, Amanda Gorman, and how Black Catholics might ex...