A little more than 60 years ago – March 7, 1965 – approximately 600 peaceful demonstrators approached the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.
Civil Rights
Bishops’ Conference Says Proposed Federal Rule Could Limit Work of Catholic Charities
The U.S. bishops said a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services aimed at protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination in federal agency grants could limit the work of Catholic social service agencies.
Gospel Song Made Famous By Oscar Winner Has Enduring Appeal
The death of Hollywood luminary Sidney Poitier in January reminded Americans of his important and inspiring legacies, including the first leading-performer Oscar bestowed on a black person and the 1963 film tied to that victory. “Lilies of the Field” explored the country’s weakness and goodness in a parable-like drama.
Worries Over Racism Permeate Parish’s Black History Mass
The Black History Month Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Martin De Porres parish was joyous, featuring Gospel music and an impassioned homily that elicited shouts of “Amen!” from the congregation. But throughout the event, there was an undercurrent of uneasiness about the current state of race relations in the U.S.
MLK and the Songs of the Civil Rights Movement
When a bus driver in Montgomery, Alabama, demanded that a young Black woman named Rosa Parks give up her seat in the non-Black designated section of the bus, so began the civil rights movement in earnest.
A Look at the Life of Oscar Winner Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier, Hollywood’s first Black movie star and the first Black man to win the best actor Oscar, has died at 94.
Bishop Healy Vaulted From Slavery to Servant of God
James Augustine Healy in 1875 became the first bishop of African-American heritage in the U.S. He was the son of an Irish cotton planter father and a mixed-race mother who was a slave. This family from Georgia also produced two other priests, two nuns, a hardware dealer, and a famous ship captain.
Washington Cardinal Urges Nation to Remember Black Heroes on MLK Day
On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington wants Americans to recognize the determination, perseverance and contributions of African Americans throughout United States history in spite of the obstacles they faced.
Rev. King Relied on Faith, Prayer to Fight Racism, Virginia Bishop Says
The Rev. Martin Luther King, the slain civil rights leader who is honored with a federal holiday the third Monday of January, “relied upon faith and prayer” to combat the racism and prejudice he and other U.S. Blacks suffered, said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington.
Pope Francis Blesses NBA Jersey Honoring Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King
Pope Francis now has his own special edition Atlanta Hawks basketball jersey, celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The team will also wear the 2021 MLK Nike City Edition jerseys for Monday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of their commitment to those values.