Norman C. Francis, first lay president at Xavier University of Louisiana, dead at 94
The former civil rights lawyer led the school for nearly 50 years, from the Civil Rights Movement through Hurricane Katrina and beyond.
Acadiana
Black Catholics win in court as 'Cancer Alley' lawsuit ruled valid, moves toward trial
The federal civil rights case led by Inclusive Louisiana and RISE St. James against civil parish leaders cannot be dismissed, a judge has ruled.
'Real musicians': Black Catholics shine at 2026 Grammy Awards
Jon Batiste, Cynthia Erivo, and FKA Twigs were big winners on music's biggest night, along with several honorees in non-competitive categories.
Historic Black Catholic parish in Lebeau, Louisiana, to unveil historical marker
Immaculate Conception Church has faced various challenges in its 128-year history, but is leaning on faith as it celebrates history this year.
The hidden history of Black Catholic martyrs in America
Nate Tinner-Williams explores a rarely discussed facet of American Catholic holiness, linking stories of sacrifice from across what is now the United States.
Sharon Lavigne, 'Cancer Alley' activist, granted honorary Italian citizenship
The Louisiana native received the honor while in the country for meetings with students, fellow climate advocates, and top Vatican officials.
Charles Prejean Sr., activist and Black Catholic leader, laid to rest in Atlanta
The Louisiana native was a force in the cooperative movement and addressing Black land loss, before transitioning to chancery ministry in Atlanta.
Cancer Alley rally to feature former Vice President Al Gore, Black Catholic activist Sharon Lavigne
The event, led by RISE St. James, honors the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing fight against chemical pollution in Louisiana.
Historic Black Catholic school complex in Acadiana will be site of new library
The Holy Rosary Institute property in Lafayette will house the Northeast Regional Library, which faced repeated delays and several site changes.
National Black Catholic Men's Conference set for September in New Orleans
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
Dr. Frank B. Wilderson Jr., pioneering Black psychologist and education researcher, dead at 94
The retired Catholic educator was the first tenured Black professor at the University of Minnesota and the school's first Black vice president.
New Orleans car attacker had Black Creole roots in Louisiana
Shamsud-din Jabbar descended from Louisiana African Americans and practiced Islam in his youth before being radicalized as an adult.
Historic Black Catholic school in Louisiana getting new classrooms amid restoration efforts
The former Holy Rosary Institute, co-founded by the Sisters of the Holy Family, broke ground on redevelopment construction in 2021.
Beyoncé leads 2025 Grammy nominees as Black Creoles with Catholic connections loom large
Houston's finest is up for 11 awards from her country album "Cowboy Carter," making her the most nominated artist in the show's history.
Descendants of Jesuit enslavement launch new research nonprofit
The Descendants of Jesuit Enslavement Historical & Genealogical Society seeks to shine a light on enslavement in the world's largest religious order.
A museum on a former plantation shut down. These environmental activists have a plan to transform it.
Jo and Dr. Joy Banner, co-founders of The Descendants Project, have purchased what most recently operated as the 1811 Kid Ory Historic House museum.