February is Black History Month in the United States. Along with November, which is Black Catholic History Month, this observance presents opportunities to learn more about the history and influence of Black Catholics. The Catholic Bishops of the US offer these short biographies of some Black Catholic leaders who are on the road to sainthood. The Black Catholic Initiative in the Archdiocese of Chicago has put together a collection of biographies of Black Catholic Saints. Smithsonian Magazine offers The History of Black Catholics in America. An America magazine article addresses the question “Who will be the first Black Catholic saint from the United States?”
Image credit: © Chloe Becker, Magnificat High School