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

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/ [https://www.operacreole.org/] * Edmond Dédé: Learn more [https://share.google/bfCXWnbVvEQCkZwEv] * Sister 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/ [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 [https://blackcatholicmessenger.org] x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr [http://x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr] facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger [http://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger] instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger [http://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger] youtube.com/@blackcatholicmessenger [http://youtube.com/@blackcatholicmessenger] tiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessenger [http://tiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessenger] threads.com/blackcatholicmessenger [http://threads.com/blackcatholicmessenger] bsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.org [http://bsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.org] Make a tax-deductible donation to BCM @ http://blackcatholicmessenger.org/donate [http://blackcatholicmessenger.org/donate]

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-unity [https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity] * BCM podcast episode with Ethiopian deacon Henok Elias: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0heNkPcFMI&list=PLQsr7W6MHTzNm91QX8ldtsrWdj_QWr-N-&index=3&t=12s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0heNkPcFMI&list=PLQsr7W6MHTzNm91QX8ldtsrWdj_QWr-N-&index=3&t=12s] * Link to original 325 Nicene Creed: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fa5PkYFS3vmtTRGip_diaf7Lq1CZZ93RAA_rTdWitNo/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.go803rozvcgl [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 [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 [https://blackcatholicmessenger.org] x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr [http://x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr] facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger [http://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger] instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger [http://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger] youtube.com/@blackcatholicmessenger [http://youtube.com/@blackcatholicmessenger] tiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessenger [http://tiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessenger] threads.com/blackcatholicmessenger [http://threads.com/blackcatholicmessenger] bsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.org [http://bsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.org] Make a tax-deductible donation to BCM @ http://blackcatholicmessenger.org/donate [http://blackcatholicmessenger.org/donate]

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/ [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 [https://blackcatholicmessenger.org] x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr [http://x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr] facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger [http://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger] instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger [http://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger] youtube.com/@blackcatholicmessenger [http://youtube.com/@blackcatholicmessenger] tiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessenger [http://tiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessenger] threads.com/blackcatholicmessenger [http://threads.com/blackcatholicmessenger] bsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.org [http://bsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.org] Make a tax-deductible donation to BCM @ http://blackcatholicmessenger.org/donate [http://blackcatholicmessenger.org/donate]

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 [https://share.google/CdGv8RE4oqtwqJt9t.]". * 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://blackcatholicmessenger.org] https://x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr [https://x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr] https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger [https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger] https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com [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 [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/7faed8f8-4ba2-4687-b83c-4dc18ccb6061]

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 [https://www.youtube.com/@PhilosophyofArtandScience] Music: Gunnar Gundersen  ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.org [https://blackcatholicmessenger.org] https://x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr [https://x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr] https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger [https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger] https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com [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 [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/7faed8f8-4ba2-4687-b83c-4dc18ccb6061]