BCI: Speakers and Presenters
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Alpha Listing by Last Name of Speakers and Presenters
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Linda Arrington - New York, New York
Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Rosarian, Cantor, Choir Member
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Available for: Virtual Engagements (online)
Expertise: Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Rosarian, Cantor, Choir Member
Affiliations and Memberships: Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary
Dr. Ansel Augustine - New Orleans, Louisiana
Archdiocese of New Orleans Director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries
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Available for: Local Engagements, Virtual Engagements (online), Regional Engagements, National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, Knights of Columbus, National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministers (NFCYM), National Association of Black Catholic Administrators (NABCA)
Expertise: Young Adults, Social Justice, Black Catholic and Diversity
Brief Biography: Dr. Ansel Augustine is the Director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Dr. Augustine also serves on the Board of Trustees of St. Michael's College (Burlington, Vermont). He is the former New Orleans Area Director for Vagabond Missions and Executive Director of Cultural Diversity and Outreach for the Archdiocese of Washington. Previously he served as the Associate Director/Coordinator of Black Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the CYO Youth & Young Adult Ministry Office. He is also on the Faculty of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana, Graduate Theological Foundation, and Loyola University New Orleans’ Institute for Ministry. Dr. Augustine has also served as a Campus Minister at Xavier University of Louisiana, Loyola University New Orleans, and St. John’s University in Queens, NY. Ansel has served on the board of directors for the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association (NCYAMA) and the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM). He began his career in ministry over 20 years ago when he became the youth minister at his home parish of St. Peter Claver in the Treme area of New Orleans, which he helped to rebuild following hurricane Katrina.
Previous Engagements: He has presented workshops and keynotes around the country and has written various pieces related to ministry including The African American Catholic Youth Bible and Leveling the Praying Field: Can the Church we Love, Love us Back?. Ansel has worked in prison ministry for over 25 years in various capacities. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of Peter Claver, and the Wild Tchoupitoulas (Black Masking) Mardi Gras Indians. He is also an Associate Member of the Sisters of the Holy Family in New Orleans, LA.
Amy Auzenne - Houston, Texas
Archdiocese of Galveston Houston - Archdiocesan Director of Evangelization and Catechesis
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Available for: Local Engagements, Virtual Engagements (online), Regional Engagements, National Engagements
Expertise: Presentations on: Black Catholic Spirituality; Eucharistic Spirituality ("Eucharist: The Original Soul Food"); Catholic Social Teaching; Racial Justice; USCCB Documents (esp. "Open Wide Our Hearts"; Building Inclusive Dialogues; Family Spirituality and Parenting Issues. I also write / lead retreats for leaders, women, families, and teens.
Brief Biography: Amy Auzenne, MSW, MACE is a speaker, teacher, and writer from Houston, Texas. She holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in Catholic Education from the University of St. Thomas. After working as a child and family social worker for almost ten years, Amy transitioned into full-time parish catechetical ministry in 2003. She now serves as the Director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston, where she leads the Ministry of Catechists of African & African American Descent.
Previous Engagements: I have presented at various archdiocesan workshops and trainings over the past twenty years, including: Central Catechist Day (2016); Catechetical Leader Institute (2018); "Open Wide Your Heart: Fath, Racism, and the Enduring Call to Love" 3-week guided retreat in real life (which I also wrote, 2021 & 2022); "Retreat in Real Life: Novena to St. Peter Claver"(which I also wrote; 2022);
Facilitator, "Community Conversations" monthly nation-wide virtual dialogue on the theme of "Open Wide Our Hearts."
Doris Barrow - Houston, TexasTSU Newman Center - Director and Campus Minister
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Available for: Local Engagements, Virtual Engagements (online), Regional Engagements, National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary
Expertise: Ministry to youth, Ministry to young adults, Ministry to college students
Brief Biography: Doris M. Barrow, III is a campus minister at Texas Southern University in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. He received his BA in History from Grambling State University, an MBA from Webster University, and an MA in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He has 18 years of experience as a Catechetical leader, and is an Instituted Acolyte in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
He works with the USCCB on the Journeying Together initiative for Young Adults, and Brother and Sisters, a gathering of campus ministers who work with college students at HBCUs and who minister to students of color.
Previous Engagements: Retreats, conferences, workshops, days of reflection.
Christian Bentley - Alexandria, VirginiaC.M.Bentley & Associates; Chair, Advisory Council on Racism Diocese of Arlington
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Available for: Local Engagements, Virtual Engagements (online), Regional Engagements, National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary; Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE), Interfaith Social Justice Organization (Mental Health Lead; Josephites USA (Vocations Core Team); National Catholic Partnership on Disability - Advisory Council on Mental Illness & Wellness Member
Expertise: Mental Health (Balancing Mental Health and Spirituality, Professional Life, and Education); Community Organizing around Social Justice; Mental Health and Affordable Housing; Evangelizing the Modern African American Community; Engaging in Interfaith / Intergenerational Conversation); Using the Word of God in everyday life
Brief Biography: Advocate for mental health and social justice within Virginia and the Catholic Church. Using his experiences with managing Bipolar 1 diagnosis & how faith, community & proper care can lead to a fulfilling life. Bentley serves in an interfaith social justice community advocacy group, Chair of the Bishop's Advisory Council on Racism, The Diocesan Pastoral Council for Arlington & an active participant with the USCCB in Young Adult and MultiCultural projects to name a few. A connector of people and a passionate person of faith, his life motto is based on the old gospel song, If I can help somebody.
Previous Engagements: I have led small retreats of 4 persons and spoken to crowds at conventions and assemblies over 6k. I specialize in conversation driven presentations. I have experience moderating panel discussions, serving as emcee, and key note speaker. My goal is for each person to leave having an interaction and wanting to dig more into the theme and/or subject.
Regina Boyd - Lake Mary, FloridaBoyd Counseling Services; NBCC & Natl Cath. Congress for Restorative Justice
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Order her book: Leaving Loneliness Behind
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Available for: Local Engagements, Virtual Engagements (online), Regional Engagements, National Engagements
Expertise: Mental Health, Burnout (Ministry burnout or any type of burnout), Communication & Conflict, Stress & Anxiety, Relationships
Brief Biography: Regina Boyd is a licensed mental health counselor and marriage & family therapist. She is the founder of Boyd Counseling Services and a contributor to the Hallow app. She lives with her family in Orlando, FL, where she assists with parish and diocesan marriage formation.
Previous Engagements: Boyd has presented on the intersection of mental health and Catholicism for national organizations including the Catholic Campus Ministry Association, Given Institute, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Her work has been featured by Catholic Women in Business and FemCatholic, and on SiriusXM’s The Catholic Channel.
Anthony Carter - Thibodaux, LouisianaLay Catholic Evangelist
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Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Past and Current Affiliations and Memberships: Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary; Knights of Columbus; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
Expertise: Return to the Catholic Church; the Symbols of the Church; Effective Evangelism
Brief Biography: Al Carter, was born and raised in New Orleans. He is currently the Protocol Coordinator at NOCCA. Al was born Catholic, baptized, confirmed, and married in the Catholic Church but began a journey about 30 years ago that included his converting to the Baptist Faith, being ordained a Baptist Minister, serving as Acting Pastor of two Baptist Churches as well as Founding and Pastoring a Baptist Church. Al Carter returned home to Mother Church in May 2010. He was commissioned an Evangelist along with Pearlette by Bishop Sam Jacobs on Pentecost Sunday 2012.
Previous and Future Engagements:
Conferences: Diocese of Houma - Thibodaux; St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church; REPENT: Louisiana - Nicholls State University; Our Lady of the Rosary; New Orleans Archdiocese Office of Black Catholic Ministries; Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, Chackbay, La.; Our Lady of Prompt Succor Adoration Chapel, Chauvin, La.; Male Summit: St. Maria Goretti New Orleans, La.; Food for the Journey: St. Eloi Catholic Church, Theriot, Louisiana
Missions/Revivals: St. Luke Catholic Church, Thibodaux, La.; Our Lady of Prompt Succor Adoration Chapel; St. Genevieve Catholic Church, Thibodaux, La.; St. Bridget Catholic Church, Schriever, La.; St. Rose of Lima & St. Joseph Catholic Church, Cecelia, La.; Notre Dame Catholic Church, St. Martinville, La.; St. Anthony Catholic Church, Lafayette, La.; St. Lucy Catholic Church, Houma, La.; St. Eloi Catholic Church, Chauvin, La.; St. Rose de Lima, Bay St. Louis, Ms.; Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, Thibodaux, La.
Confirmation, RCIA & Youth Meetings: St. Louis Catholic Church; St. Eloi Catholic Church; St. Mary Catholic Church; St. Joseph Catholic Church; St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church; St. Lucy Catholic Church; St. Joseph Co-Cathedral; E. D. White Freshmen Boys retreat
James Conway - Parkville, MarylandVice president of Catholics United for Black Lives; Conway Ministries
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Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: Catholics United for Black Lives; St. Wenceslaus Church in Baltimore
Expertise: Confirmation; Social Justice; Mental Health; Family Life; Church Politics; Pastoral Leadership; Freelance Catholic Preaching; Organizing; Youth and Young Adult ministry
Brief Biography: I am a cradle Catholic born to military parents in Germany currently living in Baltimore. I go out and share God's message how he sees fit. I am the "qualified called" that your ancestors told you about.
Previous Engagements: Fired Up Conference Sacramento; Lyke Conference; Journeying Together USCCB; CSMG; Social Ministry Convocation Baltimore; National Black Catholic Congress; Various online engagements (20+)
Adrienne D. Curry, M.Div. - Baltimore, MarylandArchdiocese of Baltimore - Director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries
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Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Past and Current Affiliations and Memberships: National Association of Black Catholic Administrators (NABCA); Roundtable (Association of Social Action Directors);
Expertise: Social Justice topics: Catholic social teaching, racism, anti-racism, and any justice issue
Brief Biography: I was born and raised in the City of Chicago. I worked for the Archdiocese of Chicago for fifteen years in the Office for Peace and Justice as the Justice Education/Catholic Relief Services Director. I was also on Cardinal George's anti-racism team for fifteen years. I am an Augustus Tolton Scholar and graduate of Catholic Theological Union, with a Masters of Divinity Degree. I have also worked in the Diocese of Lexington, KY, as the Parish Social Ministry Director for four years. I worked as the Director for Peace and Justice/Director of Black Catholic Ministries in the Diocese of Youngstown.
Anthony Diallo - Washington, DCLector; Usher
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Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Past and Current Affiliations and Memberships: Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary; Knights of Columbus
Brief Biography: Anthony Diallo developed an early interest in communications and writing as a high school student living in the U.S. Virgin Islands, although he was born in New York City. As a United States territory in the Caribbean, St. Croix, Virgin Islands (formerly owned by the Dutch and directly across from Puerto Rico) gave Diallo the luxury of enjoying multiple cultures (the Caribbean and Latin America) simultaneously. Having that background, Diallo learned to harmoniously interact and co-exist with people of all creeds, religions, nationalities, and ethnicities.
He has lived abroad and visited 50 nations around the world.
After graduating from high school, Diallo attended Howard University in Washington, DC where he majored in Communications with a minor in English. Before graduating from the prestigious HBCU, he started working at the Washington Post. Later, he transitioned from the newspaper to the classroom. Diallo has earned two graduate degrees from Regent University in Virginia Beach and the University of the District of Columbia in counseling and education, respectively.
Additionally, Diallo has a dozen years of experience as a public servant within the municipal government as an Analyst, Communications and Community Outreach Specialist, and Program Manager. He also composes a monthly column (Meet Your Neighbor) in the local East of the River newspaper (https://eastoftheriverdcnews.com/).
He currently works for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency within Homeland Security as a Communications Analyst. Diallo has an active Public Trust/Suitability level clearance. He is also a Notary Public with a Certification in Contact Tracing.
When Diallo is not working, he spends his time volunteering with the Knights of Columbus, Knights of Peter Claver, and Phi Delta Kappa and being a Life Coach for his church and community members. Although an avid traveler who has either lived in or visited more than 55 nations in the world, Diallo’s residency is in Washington, DC.
Michael Howard - Lanham, MarylandEat the Scroll Ministry / Loyola Marymount University and Notre Dame
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vailable for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: National Catechetical Community Leaders (NCCL), Pax Christi USA,
Expertise: Scripture Study, Retreats, Spiritual Direction, Lector, and Storytelling
Brief Biography: Mr. Howard received his MA in Church Ministry/Spirituality at St. Mary's University Seminary, Ecumenical School of Theology, and holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies at Washington Bible College. He facilitates and teaches Online courses for the University of Dayton, Notre Dame McGrath STEP program, and Loyola Marymount University. Mr. Howard taught the certification program "My Catholic Faith Delivered" for the Archdiocese of Washington. Mr. Howard founded Eat the Scroll Ministry (ETSM), which conducts retreats, Bible Study programs, and revivals. ETSM's webpage publishes Advent videos and weekly blogs on the gospel from Black Catholics around the country.
Previous Engagements: National Black Catholic Congress XIII
Ronald Jackson -Alexandria, VirginiaSr. Dir/Lobbyist, Government Affairs Catholic Charities USA
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- Work Email
- Personal Email
- Work Cell: (703) 447-6316
- Personal Cell: (301) 580-3213
- Website
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Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Past and Current Affiliations and Memberships: National Association of Black Catholic Administrators (NABCA); National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors (NASCCD-Past President, 2006-2008); DC Catholic Conference (Executive Director 1996-2011); Catholic Climate Covenant (National Board Member); Jesuit IV-C (Formerly National Board Member); Christ Child Society (Formerly National Board Member); St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic High School (Formerly Board Member); Catholic Social Ministry (CSMG One of the Original Organizers); National Catholic Rural Life (Formerly National Board Member); Catholic Charities USA Presentations on Race and Racism; DC Catholic Charities Presentations on Race and Racism
Expertise: Presented over the past 32 years that I've been working in the Catholic Church in many Workshops and Conferences as aforementioned. My expertise is in Legislative Affairs having been a Lobbyist/Advocate on many issues that the Church advances, i.e. Education, Health Care, Aging/Senior, Civil Rights, Employment, Housing, Hunger/Nutrition Immigration and other Catholic Institutional issues that were a priority. Since I'm close to retiring from my full-time work at Catholic Charities USA I have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that I'm willing to share and especially want to encourage more Black/African Americans to pursue a career/work in the Catholic Church. I don't believe that many people know that you can have a very rewarding and productive career working in the Church in a lay capacity. There are many Professional jobs in the Church that pay excellent salaries and benefits and more importantly you can make a difference in the communities that impact people of color. Not enough space to list the laws that I've worked in getting passed over the years that have had a direct impact on communities of color. Humbly I've quietly done my part! Amen
Brief Biography: I hold 3 Degrees BA, Sociology, Jackson State University, MSW, Howard University and JD, Antioch School of Law. I began my professional career in City Hall Jackson, MS (1st Black Staffer -1973-74); Staff Asst. to Congressman/Senator Thad Cochran (1st, Black Staffer 1974-77); I've been a Paralegal/Administrator (Legal Services); Head Start Director, College Professor and since law school a full-time Lobbyist working National Urban League and in the Church 1991 to present primarily on Social Justice issues from A to Z. I was a Civil Rights activist in Mississippi doing Voter Registration as early as 1968 in High School and College.
Previous and Future Engagements: Plenary Speaker 100th Anniversary (1990); CSMG Presenter, Workshop Leader, Moderator of Panel and Plenary Speaker (1989-2023); Adjunct Professor at Catholic University of America School of Social Services (Taught Social Policy Classes in the Graduate School 1992--2002); Lecture at American University Exchange Program (Lectured on Civil Rights, Race/Racism, Religion and Politics 1996-2022)
Presenter at several State Catholic Coalition Meetings (Catholic Education-Schools, Catholic Health Care, Catholic Charities Agencies, Local and State)
Panelist of numerous Conferences and Workshops (i.e. Congressional Black Caucus National Legislative Conference (1980 and 90s); National Urban League (1980s, 1990s); NAACP (1980s); National Association of Social Workers(1990s) and National Association of Black Social Workers 1980s); National Black State Legislators Conference 1990s)
Additional Comments: I want to reach out to Catholic Colleges and University especially but not exclusively, to students coming out of Professional Schools i.e. Law Schools, Business Graduate Schools, Schools of Social Work and Psychology, Health Care, Education and other areas where they could bring their knowledge and skills to make a difference in underserved Communities where the Catholic Church has a presence. I realized in the aftermath of the George Floyd killing that the Black Lives Matter Movement is very reminiscent of what occurred in the late 1960s and 1970s where young Black professional like myself entered careers where we applied our Educational knowledge and skills and began to make a difference from the same communities from which we came from. This need is still needed today and in fact, maybe now more than ever as Racism and Race Relations are at an all time low. The Catholic Church through our Health Care (Hospitals, Nursing Homes etc.); Social Services through primarily Catholic Charities, St.Vincent de Paul and other services within many Dioceses offer opportunities to work and have a career where you can make a difference. As well, our Catholic Schools will always need Black Teachers, Principals, College Professors etc. who can not only be the face in the place but bring the values that effect social change and directly address the challenges in our Black Communities that in many instances can only be addressed in a cultural way. Nothwistanding, my story is very unique in that I was able to make a very nice living working for the Church and made an impact in the community from which I grew up and still live in, MY BLACK NEIGHBORHOOD/HOME! Lastly, for those of us whom have been Blesssed it is incumbent for Us to give back and you give back by sharing the wisdom and knowledge gained over a wonderful career and time. To not share this experience would be selfish on my part and its the least I can do for thanking My Lord for all the wonderful Blessings he has given Me. Bottom line (I'm full of it, KNOWLEDGE THAT IS:) I want to share but most importantly I need to share it, I'm ready AMEN!
Anthony J. Johnson - Washington, DCPanelist / Mantech Defense Contractor
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Affiliations and Memberships: Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary; Knights of Columbus; Mother Mary Lange Guild Board; Lay Associate for Oblate Sisters of Providence
Expertise: Defense Contractor. Will assist in area should the need arise
Brief Biography: United States Navy - 1977 – 2007; Defense Contractor 2007 - Present
Previous Engagement Experiences: Command Master Chief, United States Navy; Booth at Manassas African American History Festival/ Panelist
Joyce Jones - St. Louis, MissouriArchdiocese of St. Louis - Director, Office of Racial Harmony
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Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: NABCA
Expertise: Racism, Bible Study
Brief Biography: Mrs. Joyce Jones, Th.M. is the Director of the Office of Racial Harmony in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. She is a member of the North City Deanery Interracial Relations Committee which she co-founded in 2015. She serves on a USCCB committee that is working to reach young adult Catholics of color. Her work provides resources and an avenue, centered on prayer, for the faithful to discuss the sin of racism while building relationships and worshipping and glorifying God. She loves spending time with her family. She is a wife, mother and grandmother.
Charnette Lewis - Linden, New JerseyPresenter and Speech Coach, Lecturer, Eucharistic, Hospitality Ministries
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Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online)
Affiliations and Memberships: Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary; National Association Negri Business Professional Women's Club (NANBPWC)
Expertise: Disability Awareness; Financial Retirement Preparation; Spirituality
Brief Biography Charnette M. Lewis is a retired accountant from New York Life insurance company. She is also a Board Member and Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM); Presenter and Speech Coach; and Mentor. She is Certified Disability Training
Previous Engagements: Speaker for Toastmaster International; IMPACTability; Youth Leaders
Andrew Lyke - Matteson, IllinoisArchdiocese of Chicago - Director: Office for Black Catholics (Retired)
CONTACT ME:
VIDEO: Extension Gift of Blackness in Church
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Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: National Association of Black Catholic Administrators (NABCA); "Dwell In My Love" Anti-racism Task Force - Archdiocese of Chicago; Organizing Catholics for Justice; National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers; Black & Latino Catholics In Dialogue; USCCB National Advisory Council; St. Bernard Hospital Board of Directors
Expertise: Catholic Anti-racist Activism; Marriage & Family; Black Catholic Empowerment
Brief Biography: Andrew Lyke is the retired Director of the Office for Black Catholics in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He served in that role from 2011 to 2015. He served the Archdiocese of Chicago as the Coordinator of Marriage Ministry from 1999 to 2009. He is a writer, storyteller, avid cyclist, and digital creator.
With his wife Terri, he was an advisor to the USCCB Committee on Marriage & Family
Previous Engagements; Radio Host: "Praises Tell: The Voice of Black Catholic Chicago"; Editor & Publisher: The Drum: The Beat of Black Catholic Chicago; Workshop & Keynote Presenter / Motivational Speaker on marriage & family, anti-racism; Community Organizing
Andrew and Terri Lyke - Matteson, IllinoisCo-Directors: Arusi Network Marriage Ministry
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VIDEO: Grit & Grace ofMarriage
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Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: National Association of Black Catholic Administrators (NABCA); Former advisors to USCCB Committee on Marriage & Family; Former Presenters / Trainers for Marriage Ministry for the Black Community — Archdiocese of Chicago; National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers
Expertise: Marriage / Family / Relationships / Fatherhood
Brief Biography: Andrew and Terri Lyke, who have been married since 1975, have spent more than 40 years in marriage ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago and are the founders of Arusi Network, which works to strengthen the institution of marriage in the African-American community. They are the Authors of the critically acclaimed book, Marriage On A Lampstand: Exploring a New Paradigm for Modern Christian Marriage. Their biweekly column, Family Reflections, appeared in diocesan newspapers across the country and Catholic News Service.
Previous Engagements: As designers and presenters of the Arusi Marriage Retreat, the Lykes have led the retreat to couples around the United States and Caribbean.
William King - San Gabriel, CaliforniaArchdiocese of Los Angeles - Lay Evangelist; Musician; Stained / Leaded Glass Windows Fabricator
VIDEO: I Earnestly Desire - William King
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Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary
Expertise: Evangelization, revivals, and retreats; Pastoral Musician / Composter; Stained / leaded glass window fabrication
Brief Biography: I am a former seminarian with the archdiocese of Los Angeles and The Josephites. I am currently the Pastoral Assistant at a Parish in the LA Archdiocese. I design and fabricate stained/leaded glass windows (religious and secular). I facilitate retreats, preach revivals, and lead parish missions. I am a pastoral musician currently composing 4 Liturgical Music settings for the Catholic liturgy.
Ralph McCloud - Washington, DCUnited States Conference of Catholic Bishops - Director Catholic Campaign for Human Development
CONTACT ME:
VIDEO: Social Justice Issue Series. Session 3: The Role of Faith Communities
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Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary; Catholic Mobilizing Network; Catholic Roundtable for Social Action Directors; Formerly NABCA President
Expertise: Addressing poverty and impacts on racial minorities; Economic development; Gospel call and relationship to all social justice issues; Racism; Faithful Citizenship; Community organizing
Brief Biography: Ralph McCloud is the Director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), an anti-poverty program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. CCHD works to break the cycle of poverty by helping low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives, families and communities.
Ralph has served as the national director for sixteen years. He has served as President of the National Association of Black Catholic Administrators and as a board member of both the National Black Catholic Congress. He currently serves on the board chair of the Catholic Mobilizing Network.
In 2017, Ralph was awarded the Bishop John Joseph Keane Medallion from the Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies at The Catholic University of America and the Harry A. Fagan Award by the Roundtable for dedication and commitment to social justice in 2018.
Previous Engagements: I have spoken on many occasions on the social mission of the Church and on Catholic Social teaching. I presented to all ministers in the state of Washinton at their annual convocation. As a policy maker and former City Councilman, had many occasions to speak to community groups etc. I served 4 terms on the Fort Worth City Council from 1997 – 2005 and 3 terms as Mayor Pro Tempore. I am the recipient of the State of Texas Courage Award from the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. In 2009, I was awarded the History Maker Award from the Archdiocese of Atlanta in 2009 and Catholic Charities USA’s Martin Luther King Keep the Dream Alive Award in 2010. I currently as Chair on the board chair of the Catholic Mobilizing Network, an anti-death penalty organization
Alison Mc Letchie - Columbia, South CarolinaUniversity professor / researcher
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VIDEO: We Came A Long Way By Faith: Catholic Hill and St. James the Greater Catholic Church
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Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: Conference on Theology in the Caribbean Today
Expertise: Researcher: Caribbean Catholic Music, Southern Black Catholics. Caribbean Catholics, Caribbean Diaspora Catholics, Carnival and Religion, and la Divina Pastora
Brief Biography Alison Mc Letchie has a Ph.D. in Sociology, M.A. in Anthropology, and Certificate in Museum Management. Her primary research interest includes race, ethnicity, economic inequality, calypso, religion, la Divina Pastora, and Caribbean Catholic music.
She has given the Cheryl Herrera Memorial Lecture for the Conference on Theology in the Caribbean Today in 2019 and 2016. With filmmaker George Buddy Wingard, completed the 2020 documentary, We Came A Long Way By Faith: Catholic Hill and St. James the Greater Catholic Church.
She is an Assistant Professor at South Carolina State University.
Publications:
Mc Letchie, Alison. La Divina Pastora, the Dougla Madonna, by Sonjah N. Stanley Niaah (Ed.) Of Sacred Crossroads: Cultural Students and the Sacred, Special issue, Open Cultural Studies, Vol. 3 (1), February 2019.
Mc Letchie, Alison. Caribbean Miracles. In Patrick Hayes (Ed.) – Miracles: An Encyclopedia of People, Places, and Supernatural Events from Antiquity to the Present, Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO Greenwood, 2016.
Mc Letchie, Alison. 2012. The Holy Temple of Soca: Rev. Rudder in Attendance. In Vanessa E. Valdes (Ed.) The Future is Now: A New Look at African Diaspora Studies. London: Cambridge Scholars Publishers.
Presentations:
So Everything is a Carnival? Public Mourning in Trinidad Conference on Theology in the Caribbean Today, Grenville, Grenada June 26 -30, 2023.
All of we is one family: En Conjunto Enlace Lecture, The Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States, New Orleans, LA June 4 -7, 2023.
Unfixing a Fixed Text: Telfer’s Hosanna Christian Congregational Music Conference, Oxford, England (Online) July 26- August 6, 2021.
Black Catholic Education: Catholic Hill, SC – A Case Study, The Southern Sociological Society, Jacksonville, FL (Online) April 7-10, 2021
Ali Mumbach - Washington, D.C.Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. - Campus Minister at Howard University
CONTACT ME:
NOTE: If you see any discrepancies, errors, or listings which go against the standards of the Catholic Church, please let us know by completing this online form.
Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: HU Bison Catholic Campus Ministry at Howard University
Expertise: Speaker: campus ministry, young adult outreach/evangelization, being a young adult Black Catholic in the modern culture
Brief Biography: Ali Mumbach is from Houston, TX. She attended Texas State University where she received her bachelor's in sociology. After graduating, she spent two years doing college ministry. As a Black Catholic, Ali was aware of the lack of diversity within Catholic circles. Working in ministry, engaging in conversations about race, and ministering to minority students sparked Ali's heart for evangelization, especially to Black and minority communities. She's currently pursuing her master's in sociology at Howard University, where she is a campus minister. Ali is also pursuing a master's of theology at the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University.
Previous Engagements: Co-presenter at the National Black Catholic Congress XIII
Dennis Petillo - Los Angeles, CaliforniaMotivational Speaker/ Goal Inspirer
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NOTE: If you see any discrepancies, errors, or listings which go against the standards of the Catholic Church, please let us know by completing this online form.
Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary; Toastmasters
Expertise: Motivational Speaker/ Goal Inspirer
Brief Biography: Four year navy veteran, thirty year postal service, associate degree in air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic, a member of toastmasters, past member of national speaker association and currently a goal inspirer.
Previous Engagements: Presented my speech to students at Holy Name School, Green Dot Chartered School, Rotary Clubs, Boys and Girls Club and several other organizations.
Rafi Rahman - Tallahassee, FloridaFlorida A&M University, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies
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NOTE: If you see any discrepancies, errors, or listings which go against the standards of the Catholic Church, please let us know by completing this online form.
Available for: Local Engagements, Virtual Engagements (online), Regional Engagements, National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: Knights of Columbus; Black Catholic Theological Symposium (BCTS)
Brief Biography: Dr. Rafi Rahman, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Florida A&M University (FAMU). His religious studies-oriented research seeks to illuminate the carrefours concerning how gender expression, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. function as discrete social identities that have been deleteriously impacted by divisive current-day media pundits within America. He strives to critically interrogate the peculiar ways and means by which race, gender expression and sexual orientation has subtly operated to categorize, frame and stigmatize religion, race and social identity in the United States.
Ty Salvant - New Orleans, LouisianaAuthor and speaker / Time with Ty
CONTACT ME:
VIDEO: "How powerhouse women can practice self-care."
NOTE: If you see any discrepancies, errors, or listings which go against the standards of the Catholic Church, please let us know by completing this online form.
Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: Catholic Engaged Encounter; Willwoods Faith & Marriage Community; National Speaker Association
Expertise: Elevating Care of Self, Marriage, Family, and Community.
Brief Biography: Passionate mom of 6, inspirational author, steadfast advocate, and trusted advisor, Ty Salvant uses her enriched experiences from personal and professional domains to champion causes for women, children, and the community. Through her initiative 'Time with Ty,' she advises women on bolstering motherhood with self-love and transcends the normative perception of motherhood to include self-care and self-compassion.
Leveraging over two decades of service in community projects and associations, including Junior League of New Orleans, Catholic Engaged Encounter, and Lakeview Civic Improvement Association, amongst others, Ty has manifested her passion for marriage, homeschooling, education, and self-care.
Previous Engagements: Ty has presented on multiple Catholic Engaged Encounter retreats over the past 20 years and several marriage retreats with the Willwoods Faith & Marriage Community. As a homeschool mom and director for Nola Homeschoolers and Young Scholars, she's hosted conferences and educational meetings. Through Time with Ty, she led retreats, facilitated workshops, and organized events.I've presented on over 50 Catholic Engaged Encounter retreats over the past 20 years. As a homeschool mom and director for Nola Homeschoolers and Young Scholars.
Joyce Simons - Elgin, South CarolinaCareer and Life Coach
CONTACT ME:
NOTE: If you see any discrepancies, errors, or listings which go against the standards of the Catholic Church, please let us know by completing this online form.
Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (AKA)
Expertise: Career Development
Brief Biography: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees from The University of South. Married mother of three children.
Emily Strand - Columbus, OhioCreator and co-host of the podcast Meet Father Rivers; Immaculate Conception Parish; Mount Carmel College of Nursing
CONTACT ME:
- Click Here to Email
- Click Here to Email (2)
- Phone: (937) 305-4758
- Website 1
- Website 2
- Website 3
- Facebook Profile for Meet Fr. Rivers
- Instagram Page for Podcast
NOTE: If you see any discrepancies, errors, or listings which go against the standards of the Catholic Church, please let us know by completing this online form.
Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: National Pastoral Musicians Association (NPM) - Chair of the Forum on Communications/National Council member
Expertise:
Presenter: Catholic theology, pastoral liturgy, liturgical music, Church history, cultural competence, spiritual themes in popular culture
Musician: Piano, guitar, percussion, soloist (S/A), composer, choir director, contemporary ensemble director, all styles of music from chant to Gospel
Author: Mass 101: Liturgy and Life, Your Baby's Baptism (Liguori Publications) and several academic books and essays, co-host of Meet Father Rivers podcast
Brief Biography: Emily Strand is author of Mass 101: Liturgy and Life (Liguori) and the blog LiturgyAndLife.com. Emily teaches religion and cultural competency at Mount Carmel College in Ohio and serves the National Association of Pastoral Musicians as Chair of the Forum on Communication. She hosts the podcasts Potterversity and Meet Father Rivers. Learn more at emilystrand.com.
Previous Engagements: A thorough list of my previous presentations is available at https://emilystrand.liturgyandlife.com/workshops/, and a list of my academic publications and presentations is available at https://emilystrand.liturgyandlife.com/publications/. My most recent presentations are teamed with Eric T. Styles (co-host of Meet Father Rivers) and focus on the Pastoral Lessons we learned from Fr. Rivers as his mentees.
Jacqueline Childs Taliaferro - Troy, MichiganBlack Catholic Women's Conference
CONTACT ME:
- Click Here to Email
- Phone: (248) 765-2523
- Website 1
- Website 2
- Facebook Profile
NOTE: If you see any discrepancies, errors, or listings which go against the standards of the Catholic Church, please let us know by completing this online form.
Available for: Local Engagements; Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Past and Current Affiliations and Memberships: Minister of Faith; Parish Council
Brief Biography: Jacqueline Childs Taliaferro is a spirit-filled, installed Catholic Minister of Faith and Evangelist. Jacqueline has been graced with many gifts and talents God has endowed her with a creative and over-the-edge anointed speaking ability. The Author of two books, a Christ-centered motivational speaker and a Life Skills Coach. Her gift of using scripture and making it real for people to apply to their daily lives has allowed her ministry to flourish at speaking engagements, women's conferences, retreats, and other mediums of ministries. Revival is welcome she travels throughout United States. A member Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Detroit, Michigan.
Previous and Future Engagements:
2015,2016,2017,2018 Presenter: The Black Catholic Women's Conference at the Sacred Heart Seminary Detroit, Michigan
Keynote Speaker: March 16, 2019 Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary St. Anne's Court #71 Lenten Prayer Breakfast Sacred Heart Church Activities Building, Detroit, Michigan
Keynote Speaker: Celebration of Women The Relaunch November 2, 2019 Auburn Hills Community Center Auburn Hills, Michigan
Presenter: The Black Catholic Women's Conference at the Sacred Heart Seminary Detroit, Michigan August 12, 2023
Nate Tinner-Williams - San Francisco, CaliforniaEditor, Black Catholic Mesenger
CONTACT ME:
VIDEO: The Platform - Innovating Our Way Into The Future
NOTE: If you see any discrepancies, errors, or listings which go against the standards of the Catholic Church, please let us know by completing this online form.
Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Affiliations and Memberships: Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary; Catholic Media Association; Society of Professional Journalists; Online Media Association; National Association of Black Journalists; St. Columba Oakland Gospel Choir
Expertise: Available to present on Black Catholic media, history, and vocations; Available for vocal music engagements (gospel, jazz, hymns, etc)
Brief Biography: Nate Tinner-Williams is co-founder and editor of Black Catholic Messenger, a nonprofit digital media publication covering stories of interest to African-American Catholics. He is a graduate of Pepperdine University, where he received a BA in theology, and is a master's student in theology in the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana. He is also an accomplished vocalist, singing across various genres. He was a semi-finalist in the 2019 Jazz Search West competition with Living Jazz in Oakland, California.
Previous Engagements
Webinars:
(upcoming/pre-recorded) 2023 Spirit Unbounded conference; Bay Area California Chinese Catholic Living Camp (CACCLC)'s 2020 virtual retreat; 2021 Global Conference on Fratelli Tutti workshop presenter; New City Press' "#DareToCare" webinar series; Commonweal's "The Weal" Synodality webinar; National Religious Vocation Conference 2022 "Religious Life Today" webinar with young entrants; 2022 Black Catholic Joint Conference young adults panel
Podcasts:
WPI's "Peter's Field Hospital" podcast; Efran Menny's "Saintly Witnesses" podcast; Bryce Taylor's "Convertigo" podcast; David L. Gray's "Talking Catholic" podcast; H. E. Negash's "Philosophy of Art and Science" (POAAS) podcast; Solidarity Hall's "Dorothy's Place" podcast; Bible Over Brews podcast; William Hemsworth's "Know the faith. Defend the faith" podcast; Lorna DesRoses' "Voices from the Pews" podcast.
Aisha Young - Colorado Springs, ColoradoEthonogerontologist/ Womanist Theologian/ Senior Ministry / African Americans In Gerontology
CONTACT ME:
NOTE: If you see any discrepancies, errors, or listings which go against the standards of the Catholic Church, please let us know by completing this online form.
Available for: Local Engagements; Virtual Engagements (online); Regional Engagements; National Engagements
Current and Past Affiliations and Memberships: Colorado Springs Council For Black Catholics; Diversity Task Force Co-Chair for Strategic Action Planning; Group on Aging, State of Colorado; Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging, State of Colorado; African American Youth Leadership Conference Presenter / Volunteer; Intergeneration Foundation Board of Trustees; Volunteer with Walk to End Alzheimer’s; Annual Alzheimer’s Symposium Volunteer; CPCD Policy Council; CPCD Child Development Committee; CPCD Bus Volunteer; Membership Chair Regional Advisory Council Pikes Peak Area; Council of Government Area Agency on Aging; Regional Advisory Council Member Pikes Peak Area Council of Government Area Agency on Aging; Co-Chair Senior Health Fair Committee; Sunshine Committee Chair Colorado Activities Professionals Association; Conference Chair Southern Colorado Region Colorado Activities Professionals Association; Assistant Treasurer State Executive Board Colorado Activities Professionals Association; Assistant Treasurer Colorado Activities Professionals Association State Executive Board; Board Member Pillar Institute; Curriculum Design Committee Pillar Institute; Food For Thought Participant Colorado Diversity Forum; Grandparents Raising Relatives Committee; Historian Colorado Activities Professionals Association Southern Chapter; African American Advisory Council Alzheimer’s Association; Newsletter Editor State Executive Board Colorado Activities; Professionals Association; Chairman Pikes Peak Area Complete Count Committee (PPACCC); Minority Subcommittee for 2010 US Census; Founding Board Member Friends of the Colorado Springs Senior Center; President African Americans In Gerontology; Senior Health Fair Planning Committee; Member of EPCMS (El Paso County Medical Society) Extended; Care Ethics Committee; Membership Co-Chairman/ Email Coordinator of Colorado; Activities Professionals Association (CAPA) Southern Chapter
Expertise / Previous Engagements: Senior Ministry; Efforts to Address Disparities in the Older Adult Population: Presented at the SAPGA Future of Aging in Colorado June 16, 2022: Colorado Springs, CO; Virtual Health Sciences Career Exploration Seminar Series, Gerontology; Presented at Virginia Union University November 17, 2021: Richmond, VA; Community Engagement and the Aging Research; Presented at #BIGG; WEEK2021 Conference September 20, 2021: United Kingdom; Honoring Our Legacy & Embracing Our Future; Presented at the Detroit Area; Agency on Aging February 25, 2021: Detroit, MI; Programming for Senior Ministries; Presented at Saint Benedict the African, February 9, 2021: Chicago, IL; Black History Month: Thea Bowman; Presented at Santa Clara University, Faith Formation and Intercultural Ministry, February 8, 2021: Santa Clara, CA; Black Spirituality; Presented at Saint Benedict the African, February 3, 2021: Chicago, IL; If You See Something, Say Something: Elder Abuse Awareness; Presented at the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated Conclave, July 21, 2017: Orlando, FL; Careers in Aging, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: How to Shift the Paradigm of Gerontologist to Lead Now; Presented at the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference, February 28, 2014: Denver, CO; Strategies to Successfully Surf: The Age Wave to Your Ideal Career in Aging and Teaching Creativity in Aging Careers within Communities of Color; Presented at the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education Annual Meeting and Educational Leadership Conference, March 1, 2013: St. Petersburg, FL; Journal of African American Gerontology; Presented at the American Society on Aging Annual Conference, March 30, 2012: Washington D.C.; Global Alliances through Gerontological Engagement (GAGE): Project Ethiopia, Phase 1 Poster presented at the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education Annual Meeting and Educational Leadership Conference, March 6, 2010: Reno, NV
Brief Biography: Aisha C. Young is a native of Colorado Springs, CO. In 2002, she graduated from Bethune-Cookman University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Gerontology. As an undergrad, she focused on elderly drivers in the state of Florida. In 2008, she obtained her Master’s of Arts degree in Aging Studies from the University of South Florida. While in graduate school she studied Relocation Stress Syndrome. Early 2009, she developed African Americans In Gerontology to network with other gerontologists and to guide students studying gerontology. In 2023 she graduated from the Institute for Black Catholic Studies with a ThM.
