The Black Catholic Messenger show

Black Catholic Messenger Foundation

A podcast where Black Catholics discuss the issues of the day and bring an authentically Black perspective to the table. Hosts: Nate Tinner-Williams and Eric T. Styles blackcatholicmessenger.org x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr facebook.com/BlackCatholicMessenger instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger threads.com/blackcatholicmessenger bsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.org tiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessenger youtube.com/@blackcatholicmessenger Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to BCM!

  1. Discovering Dédé: How OperaCréole helps bring Black opera back to life

    Mar 12

    Discovering Dédé: How OperaCréole helps bring Black opera back to life

    Summary Givonna Joseph and Aria M. Mason discuss the mission of OperaCréole; their efforts to perform and record the long-lost opera "Morgiane" by the late Black composer Edmond Dédé; and the cultural context significance of their work in New Orleans. They explore themes of empowerment, resistance, and the rich history of Black women in the arts, while also looking ahead to future projects that honor the legacy of Black composers and engage the community in classical music. Show notes OperaCréole website: https://www.operacreole.org/Edmond Dédé: Learn moreSister Mary Elise, a White member of St. Katharine Drexel's Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament founded National Opera Ebony, a national Black touring company, in 1973. https://www.operaebony.org/ Chapters 01:53 The origins of OperaCréole 04:11 New Orleans: A historical center for opera 06:19 Personal journeys into the opera scene 10:48 The intersection of sacred and Black music 14:13 Rediscovering Edmond Dédé's opera "Morgiane" 23:13 The journey to the "Morgiane" premiere 30:03 Touring the production 37:23 Cultural context and historical significance 49:22 Future aspirations for Morgiane and OperaCréole ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.org x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger youtube.com/@blackcatholicmessenger tiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessenger threads.com/blackcatholicmessenger bsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.org Make a tax-deductible donation to BCM @ http://blackcatholicmessenger.org/donate

    1h 1m
  2. Is it finally time for Black Christians to unite?

    Jan 18

    Is it finally time for Black Christians to unite?

    Summary In this conversation, we discuss the importance of ecumenism, particularly within the Black community, and reflect on the historical context of Christian unity. We explore the significance of the Council of Nicaea, its 1700th anniversary in 2025, the role of love in ecumenical efforts, and the challenges of unity among different Christian traditions. The discussion also touches on the impact of music, the complexities of doctrinal differences, and the future of ecumenism, emphasizing the need for understanding and collaboration among diverse faith communities. Show notes 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unityBCM podcast episode with Ethiopian deacon Henok Elias: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0heNkPcFMI&list=PLQsr7W6MHTzNm91QX8ldtsrWdj_QWr-N-&index=3&t=12sLink to original 325 Nicene Creed: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fa5PkYFS3vmtTRGip_diaf7Lq1CZZ93RAA_rTdWitNo/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.go803rozvcgl"Baptism as Mystical-Political Engagement" (LaRyssa D. Herrington): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14769948.2025.2465227 Chapters 01:45 The Importance of Ecumenism in the Black Community 05:02 Reflections on the Council of Nicaea 09:31 The Role of Love in Ecumenical Efforts 13:42 Understanding Differences in Christian Traditions 16:18 The Challenge of Unity Among Protestants 21:22 The Nature of Communion and Its Implications 25:58 Experiences of Mysticism in the Black Community 30:10 The Impact of Historical Context on Faith 34:12 The Role of Music in Faith and Unity 38:35 Navigating Doctrinal Differences 42:00 The Significance of Shared Celebrations 01:02:21 The Future of Ecumenism and Unity ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.org x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger youtube.com/@blackcatholicmessenger tiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessenger threads.com/blackcatholicmessenger bsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.org Make a tax-deductible donation to BCM @ http://blackcatholicmessenger.org/donate

    1h 27m

  3. 12/23/2025

    Dr. John F. Leeke and Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke on the divine work of DEI

    Show notes Nate Tinner-Williams engages with Dr. John F Leeke and his daughter Ananda Leeke, co-authors of "American Change Agent: A Life & Legacy of Seeking Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion." They discuss their backgrounds, the journey of writing their book, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today's society. The conversation explores the intersection of faith and DEI, the role of wellness in promoting inclusion, and the historical context of DEI efforts. They also address critiques of DEI initiatives and emphasize the power of individual change agents in creating a more equitable society. Book link: http://anandaleeke.com/drjohn/ Chapters 06:01 The Journey to Writing 'American Change Agent' 10:57 The Connection Between Faith and DEI 17:49 Wellness and Its Role in DEI 21:54 Understanding Historical Context in DEI 28:10 Personal Experiences in the DEI Movement 34:45 Critiques of DEI and the Role of Change Agents ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.org x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger youtube.com/@blackcatholicmessenger tiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessenger threads.com/blackcatholicmessenger bsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.org Make a tax-deductible donation to BCM @ http://blackcatholicmessenger.org/donate

    51 min
  4. Fr Samuel Davis and the Black witness in Eastern Orthodoxy

    08/24/2025

    Fr Samuel Davis and the Black witness in Eastern Orthodoxy

    Fr Samuel Davis, a priest of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, joins the BCM show to discsuss his testimony, his philosophy of ministry, and how Catholics and Orthodox can come together in understanding of and outreach to the Black community. 01:46 Cultural and Racial Identity in Faith 04:43 Experiences of Suffering and Faith 07:36 The Role of Sacramental Life 10:32 Conclusion and Reflections on Faith 20:03 The Challenge of Embracing Faith in Community 25:45 The Journey of Father Raphael Morgan 31:00 Cultural Context and the Experience of Suffering 36:55 Bridging Black Culture and Catholic Worship 42:49 The Importance of Collaboration in Faith Communities 48:12 Communicating Faith Across Cultural Lines 01:02:20 The Spiritual Power of Suffering 01:05:20 Reverend Ike and the Upliftment of Community 01:08:50 Healing Through Addressing Trauma 01:10:53 Intersection of African American Tradition and Eastern Orthodoxy 01:14:38 Missionizing the African Diaspora 01:20:55 The Role of Clergy in Community Healing 01:26:47 Commitment to Spiritual Leadership 01:28:51 Unity in the Church and Community Engagement Show notes St Photina is the name of the woman at the well in the Eastern Christian tradition. Archimandrite Raphael Morgan was a Jamaican American and the first Black Eastern Orthodox priest in the United States. He corresponded with Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican Catholic who lived in America and became a pivotal figure in the Black freedom and Pan-African movements. The book Fr Davis shows and recommends during the show is Fr Cyprian Davis' "History of Black Catholics in the United States". Fr Davis' commentary on native Ethiopian outreach to the West indirectly mentions Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie without naming him. The African-American Eastern Orthodox priests named partially by Fr Davis are the late Archpriest Moses Berry and Fr Paul Abernathy of Pittsburgh. ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.org https://x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com Make a tax-deductible donation to BCM @  https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/7faed8f8-4ba2-4687-b83c-4dc18ccb6061

    1h 30m

  5. 08/03/2025

    Ethiopian Orthodox Deacon Henok Elias on his journey of faith

    Deacon Henok Elias shares his journey from being a nominal Christian to becoming a deacon in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He discusses the significance of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches, the role of the diaconate, and the unique aspects of Ethiopian Orthodox liturgy and worship practices. The conversation also touches on the importance of education and community engagement, as well as the cultural heritage and spirituality within the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition. Dcn Henok's YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilosophyofArtandScience Music: Gunnar Gundersen  ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.org https://x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com Make a tax-deductible donation to BCM @ https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/7faed8f8-4ba2-4687-b83c-4dc18ccb6061

    1h 35m

  6. 06/13/2025

    Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, on his ministry and legacy

    Josephite seminarian Eric T. Styles has as his guest the world's first and, as of this date, only African-American cardinal, Wilton Gregory, the Archbishop Emeritus of Washington. His Eminence recently returned from Rome after participating in the funeral rites for Pope Francis and voting in the 2025 papal conclave. Show notes: "The lector--minister of the word: an historical and liturgical study of the office of the lector in the Western church" (dissertation by Wilton Daniel Gregory, Rome: The Pontifical Liturgical Institute, Anthenaeum of Saint Anselm, 1980) https://openurl.ebsco.com/contentitem/cat08439a:ctcu.992037504705825?sid=ebsco:plink:crawler&id=ebsco:cat08439a:ctcu.992037504705825 Music: Gunnar Gundersen  ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.org  https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories  https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger  https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com donate @ https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/7faed8f8-4ba2-4687-b83c-4dc18ccb6061

    31 min

  7. 05/23/2025

    Chris Ellis on answering the call to the permanent diaconate

    Chris Ellis Jr., a Black Catholic D.C. native, sits down with Nate Tinner-Williams discuss culture, calling, and the need for greater commitment to evangelization. Music: Gunnar Gundersen ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.org https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com donate @ https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/7faed8f8-4ba2-4687-b83c-4dc18ccb6061 create a FB fundraiser @ https://facebook.com/BlackCatholicMessenger/fundraisers

    42 min

  8. 07/26/2024

    Dr. Mario Dance on the fight for Catholic campus missionaries of color (Black Catholic Messenger show #13)

    Dr. Mario Dance, a retired veterinarian and cofounder of the Catholic Evangelical Missionary People of Color (CEMPOC) grant, tells Nate Tinner-Williams about his story, the organization, and what it takes to diversify campus evangelization in the U.S. Church. Intro music: Gunnar Gundersen ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.org https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories  https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com donate @ https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/7faed8f8-4ba2-4687-b83c-4dc18ccb6061 create a FB fundraiser @ https://facebook.com/BlackCatholicMessenger/fundraisers

    37 min
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4.8
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

A podcast where Black Catholics discuss the issues of the day and bring an authentically Black perspective to the table. Hosts: Nate Tinner-Williams and Eric T. Styles blackcatholicmessenger.org x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr facebook.com/BlackCatholicMessenger instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger threads.com/blackcatholicmessenger bsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.org tiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessenger youtube.com/@blackcatholicmessenger Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to BCM!

Information

  • Creator
    Black Catholic Messenger Foundation
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Black Catholic Messenger Foundation
  • Show Website
    The Black Catholic Messenger show