Black History Month

Black History Month Celebration

Share Learn Celebrate

The Share, Learn, and Celebrate initiative is designed to acknowledge, educate, and embed multicultural awareness in our diverse communities. Through Share, Learn, and Celebrate we hope to heighten awareness, knowledge and understanding through the engagement of Archdiocesan parishes, ministries, and the faithful in relevant activities. Participants will be encouraged to share the achievements, identity, beauty, richness, and importance of each of our cultural communities as part of particular celebratory and historically significant occasions. Please see the recommended resources below to Share, Learn, and Celebrate Black History Month.

13th National Black Catholic Congress

History of Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration which commemorates Black Americans’ achievements, honors their contributions to the United States and the world, and recognizes their crucial role in U.S. history. In 1926, this celebration was created by Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson. During the nation’s bicentennial in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford extended the celebration to a month.

Documentary film, A Place at the Table: Parishes and ministries are invited to host a screening of the documentary film, A Place at the Table, which tells the story of the lives of our church’s first six Black Americans to be considered for sainthood and the efforts to canonize them. Learn more about these outstanding men and women and hear of their lives of faith. We can make a difference by sharing their stories, contributions, and impact on the lives of so many. The Archdiocese of Washington has obtained permission to show the film; thus, we encourage you to host a screening event and engage your parish, school, and communities. Click here to reserve your Place at the Table . For more information please email Karen Fowler at [email protected]


To learn more and celebrate Black History Month in our nation, check out the recommendations and resources below.

Upcoming Events

November 16, 2024 2:00 pm

A Celebration of Black Catholic History Month

St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 16922 Saint Peters Clavers Road, St Inigoes, MD 20684, USA
November 21, 2024 6:00 pm

Commemoration of Native American Heritage Month

Saint John Paul II National Shrine, 3900 Harewood Road Northeast, Washington, DC, USA
December 14, 2024 11:00 am

Walk with Mary

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Michigan Avenue Northeast, Washington, DC, USA