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Week Two

We honor significant historical achievements by African Americans and spotlight an emerging young Black leader who is making a difference today.

Jane Matilda Bolin

American Lawyer and Judge

April 11, 1908 – January 8, 2007

Jane Matilda Bolin was an influential American lawyer and judge. She made history as the first Black woman to graduate from Yale Law School, and she was also the first to become a member of the New York City Bar Association and to work for the New York City Law Department. In 1939, Bolin achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Black woman to serve as a judge in the United States when she took her oath for the New York City Domestic Relations Court.

Jane M. Bolin

Photo Public Domain

His Eminence Wilton Cardinal Gregory

Photo © National Black Catholic Congress 2023 Congress XIII

His Eminence Wilton Cardinal Gregory

First Cardinal of African-American descent

Wilton Daniel Gregory, born on December 7, 1947, is a prominent American Catholic leader who held the position of Archbishop of Washington from 2019 to 2025. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis in 2020, making history as the first cardinal of African-American descent.

Prior to his role as Archbishop of Washington, Gregory served as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Chicago from 1983 to 1994, then as Bishop of Belleville from 1994 to 2004, and later as Archbishop of Atlanta from 2005 until 2019.

He made history as the first African-American to serve as president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) from 2001 to 2004.

Ethan Hill

Founder, Ethan's Heart Bags 4 Blessings

Ethan's Heart-Bags4Blessings, founded in 2016 by six-year-old Ethan D. Hill, began after Ethan was inspired by seeing a homeless man named Mr. Marcus. Using $100 from his Christmas money, he created care packages with essential survival items, which he distributed to those in need.

Continuing his efforts year after year, Ethan's Heart has expanded its mission to support the homeless population in Birmingham, Alabama. The organization provides emergency food, drinks, clothing, sleeping bags, first aid supplies, and hygiene products, while also connecting vulnerable individuals, including veterans and those facing abuse, to necessary support services.

Visit Ethan's Heart Bags4Blessings Website

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me."

Matthew 25:35-36 NABRE

Venerable Pierre Toussaint

This video was created by the Office of Black Catholics of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge

Deacon Alfred Adams, Sr., Director

Where to find a Catholic Black History Month event (2025 edition)

A listing of Black History Month events from parishes, schools, and national organizations around the country.

By Nate Tinner-Williams | Black Catholic Messenger

(This list may not be exhaustive. Please contact your local diocese, Black Catholic office, or a Black parish in your area for more info. We will also be updating this page and the BCM calendar as more events are announced.)