The Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the University of Dayton are co-sponsoring a Symposium on the 20th anniversary of the death of Fr. Clarence Joseph Rivers and the 40th anniversary of “What We Have Seen & Heard,” the pastoral letter of the Black bishops of the United States. The event, November 22-24, 2024 will include:

• Three keynote addresses at the University of Dayton from

  • Dr. Kim R. Harris, PhD – vocalist, composer, and Assistant Professor of African American Thought and Practice in the Department of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University. (Dr. Harris’ address will serve as the University of Dayton’s Annual Father Joseph M. Davis, S.M., Black Catholic History Month Lecture)

  • Most Rev. Dr. Edward K. Braxton, STD PhD – systematic theologian and Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Belleville, IL.

  • Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Brown, SJ, PhD – poet, pastoral liturgist, and Professor of Africana Studies at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

• Many options for breakout presentations from scholars and pastoral experts.

• Festive liturgies that highlight African American culture and spirituality.

• Sunday Eucharist with Wilton Cardinal Gregory, SLD – Archbishop of Washington, DC for the Solemnity of Christ the King at the Basilica Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains, Cincinnati.

More information about registering for the symposium is forthcoming. We are now asking that the CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS be shared as widely as possible. Our hope is that the best scholars and pastoral experts will submit proposals that “thoughtfully synthesize our two guiding themes of the event … from their areas of expertise such as theology, liturgy, music, history, art, literature, catechetics, etc.”

In the meantime, we ask members of the various organizations that make up the Joint Conference save the dates (Nov 22-24) and consider bringing Black Catholics of all ages, and our allies to remember, celebrate, and learn from the legacy of Father Rivers and the Black Bishops’ pastoral letter.

For more information:

AFRICAN AMERICAN PASTORAL MINISTRIES

Phone: (513) 263-6640; Fax: (513) 421-1582; rwinters@catholicaoc.org