The 2025 Fr Chester P. Smith National Black Catholic Men's Conference is set for Sept. 4-7 in New Orleans, bringing the annual gathering back to the Crescent City for the first time in 15 years.
The event, to be held at the Hilton Riverside Hotel, is organized by the Bowman-Francis Ministry. This year’s theme, “The Forge,” is drawn from a popular recent film about Black Christian men’s fellowship and the need for ongoing mentorship.
“This conference is about renewal, reflection, and empowerment,” said BFM leader Fr Charles Smith, a member of the Society of the Divine Word.
“We have a dynamic lineup of speakers who will pour into you, challenge you, and walk with you on this spiritual journey. Each workshop and keynote is designed to give you the tools you need to lead your family and community to God.”
The NBCMC, now in its 22nd year, will include a service project and opening ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 4—the latter led by the St. Augustine High School Knights of Praise choir at the Sisters of the Holy Family motherhouse. Eucharistic Adoration will follow at the hotel, and will be held again on Friday night.
Friday and Saturday will feature praise and worship, Masses, workshops, a health and wellness fair, and special activities for youth and young adults. The ecumenical lineup of speakers includes clergy, evangelists, educators, and politicians from across Louisiana and around the country, covering topics ranging from financial literacy and social justice to mental health, leadership, and spirituality.
Keynote addresses will be delivered by the Josephite priest Anthony Bozeman, and two brothers in Lafayette City Council chairman Kenneth Boudreaux and Louisiana State Sen. Gerald Boudreaux. A town hall on Friday afternoon will be led by Dr. Cameron Beatty and Devin Boucree.
The NBCMC gathering will also feature a Mass with the local ordinary, Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who will celebrate a vigil Mass for the group on Saturday evening at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in the historic Tremé neighborhood. The annual conference dinner will immediately follow.
Registration for the conference is open now, starting at $100 for children aged 10 to 17 and $175 for adults. Payment plans and group registration are available, and guests for the Saturday luncheon can register at $75. A discounted rate at the Hilton Riverside is available for bookings made by Sunday, Aug. 3.
Interested vendors are asked to register by Friday, Aug. 15, and advertisers for the conference souvenir book must submit their information by Friday, July 25. Interested parties can find information on the Bowman-Francis Ministry website.
Nate Tinner-Williams is co-founder and editor of Black Catholic Messenger.
