Nate Tinner-Williams, the co-founder and editor of Black Catholic Messenger, announced today that Sheila Hodges, a board member of the Black Catholic Messenger Foundation, will become the nonprofit’s new leader, serving as president of the board and editor of BCM.
This announcement comes alongside the start of the publication’s summer fundraiser, the proceeds of which will be used to support this new chapter of the organization.
“After nearly six years as the founding editor of Black Catholic Messenger, I feel it is the right time to step aside and welcome a bold new vision for the publication, which provides information, encouragement, history, and analysis that is unique within Catholic and Black media,” said Tinner-Williams.
”As I pursue a new vocation in the seminary, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this organization and serve the community in the spirit of the great Daniel Rudd.”
Tinner-Williams will remain connected to the organization as a writer and board member, continuing to play an influential role in the vision and mission of the organization.
Sheila Hodges holds an Honors Communications degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters of Theological Studies Degree from Harvard Divinity School. She served as President of the Penn Newman Catholic Center and as Graduate Student Vice President of the Harvard Catholic Student Center. Hodges is eager to apply her faith and communications experience to this new position.
Raised in the Diocese of St. Augustine in Florida, Hodges attended St. Pius V Catholic Church, the first African-American parish in Jacksonville, Florida, and St. Catherine of Siena Church in Orange Park, Florida. Hodges stated that she has always had a deep love for the Catholic faith because it was a constant in her life growing up.
Heeding the call of the late Pope Francis to have an eye for the marginalized, Hodges has felt a special calling to serve the Black Catholic community, growing their numbers and nurturing their faith. She sees providing high quality media as a means to do so.
“BCM has found a new champion in Sheila, an award-winning professional who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in writing, editing, research, and management,” said Tinner-Williams.
“Her vision for the organization indicates an intimate knowledge of the needs of Black Catholics in the 21st century, and I am confident she will lead BCM into a grand future sustained by authentic servant leadership and meaningful innovation.”
In her first year as CEO, Hodges is most looking forward to developing the structure of the organization, enabling it to grow in new ways and become the leading hub for Black Catholic voices and stories.
“Now more than ever one can see how the media has been used to pique the interest of many non-Catholics about the faith and better catechize those within the Church,” said Hodges.
“As a young Black Catholic woman, who has experienced many family members leave the faith and has studied the difficult history Black Americans have with the Catholic Church, I am beyond excited to use this opportunity to reimagine how the publication can address the acute needs and challenges of Black Catholics and non-Catholics.”
Hodges will officially step into her new role at BCM on Saturday, Aug. 1. Until then, she strives to prepare by connecting with readers, staff, and Black Catholics about how the publication can best nurture and grow the Black Catholic community. Keep an eye out for scheduled programming to support these efforts!
Please consider supporting this new chapter of the organization by contributing to our summer fundraiser campaign. Your contribution will help usher in a new era of BCM, innovating its approach to serving and growing the Black Catholic community.
