Bill Clay Sr., first Black congressperson from Missouri, dead at 94
The Catholic legislator broke barriers with his fierce advocacy and legislative skills, and was a cofounder of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Writers
HBCU romance anthology to feature Farrah Rochon, Elizabeth Acevedo
The new compilation from Ebony LaDelle includes eleven authors, several of whom themselves attended historically Black colleges or universities.
Review: Dr. Ansel Augustine's book 'Praying with Our Feet' is a powerful call to action
Rana Irby takes on the new text covering the need for Catholic faith in action in the modern age.
Review: 'Catholics for the Common Good' is Catholic social teaching in lived experience
Lori Stanley reviews the latest book from Daryl Grigsby, on the lives of three dozen modern Catholics embodying faith in action.
Palestinian 'Christ in the Rubble' pastor launches book with Cori Bush, Rep. Rashida Tlaib in Washington
Rev. Munther Isaac's new book, inspired by his church's viral 2023 Nativity scene in the West Bank, was released in late March.
Cathedral plaque honors late Bishop Fernand Cheri III of New Orleans
The late Black Franciscan prelate served the archdiocese from 2015 until his death in 2023 following extended illnesses.
Black Catholic books of note (2025 edition)
A sampling of new and upcoming texts written by Black Catholics in the past year.
Catholic-raised urban fiction author Donald Goines to be honored with mural, biopic
A group of local artists, led by Robert "Seven' Shannon III, announced the news this month ahead of the bestselling author's 50th death anniversary.
Gail Lumet Buckley, Black family history chronicler, dead at 86
The journalist and writer, daughter to actress Lena Horne, eschewed Hollywood to document her family history in a number of well-received books.
Fr Louis J. Twomey: Jesuit, activist, and ally to Dr. Martin Luther King
In a newly discovered 1974 interview, a New Orleans activist calls the Jesuit priest an unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement.
Netflix, Ava DuVernay settle 'When They See Us' defamation case
The streaming giant described as "ludicrous" any attempt to paint the resolution as a win for plaintiff Linda Fairstein, who prosecuted the Central Park Five in 1989.
My book on racial justice became real when my family experienced hate first-hand.
Alessandra Harris wrote a new book describing the history of racism in the U.S. Then the topic hit home in suburban Northern California.
MLK speechwriter Clarence B. Jones awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
The nation's highest civilian honor, bestowed by President Joe Biden, went to the 93-year-old activist, former attorney, and businessman on May 3.
Review: 'American Fiction' an incisive, relatable film offering
Samantha Smith reviews a new Black film that's wowing critics and generating Oscar buzz with its timely themes and free-spirited storytelling.
Dr. Claudine Gay resigns as first Black president of Harvard University
The Haitian-American academic was the subject of compounding controversies following her appointment last summer, though her resignation was voluntary.
Dr. Trimiko Melancon to become consecrated virgin in New Orleans
The award-winning scholar and justice advocate has been noted in recent years for her work as a writer and filmmaker in the area of Black history.