Gregory: Black History Month is call to look forward 'with hopeful hearts, open minds'

NEWARK, N.J. (OSV News) -- Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, the first African American cardinal, said Black History Month is always an opportunity to recognize the "pioneers" of Black heritage for their monumental accomplishments, like triumphing in the face of discrimination.

But it should not just be about reexamining the past, he stressed in a Feb. 16 homily. Instead, Black History Month is a chance to look toward the future "with hopeful hearts and open minds," he said.

He made the comments as guest homilist for the Archdiocese of Newark's commemorative Black History Month Mass celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

"It is a moment to commit to tomorrow and to urge those who will be our future heroes to seize the challenges that will lie ahead for them and for all of us," Cardinal Gregory, archbishop emeritus of Washington, said before reflecting on the legacy of Carter G. Woodson, considered the founder of Black History Month.

"I pray (young people) see their own future in the likeness of the man who dared to believe that people of color have an important heritage and a future in which to hope," he said, addressing the hundreds gathered at Newark's cathedral basilica.

The Black History Month Mass marked the first time Cardinal Gregory participated in a liturgy at the cathedral basilica, a visit prompted by an invitation from Cardinal Tobin. ("It's hard to say ‘no' to Cardinal Tobin," he joked).

In an interview prior to the Mass, Cardinal Gregory said he was excited to experience the "glorious" structure after seeing it in pictures. He also hoped to give the parishioners inside -- both Black and non-Black -- a new perspective on Black History Month.

"It's not just for the African American community -- it's for the American community," Cardinal Gregory said. "It's an opportunity for all of our neighbors to recognize the gifts that people of color bring with us in our heritage."

In addition to Cardinal Gregory's homily, the Mass featured a procession of banners depicting Black candidates for sainthood and a performance from liturgical dancer Quonda Maina Cobbs. It also included songs celebrating the Black Catholic experience and tradition, with tunes such as "To My Father's House" and "Glory, Glory" getting attendees up clapping and dancing.

As the Mass reached its conclusion, Cardinal Gregory and Cardinal Tobin were presented with hand-carved pieces of African religious art, which were given by members of the archdiocesan African American, African and Caribbean Apostolate.

The apostolate's associate director, Rahsaan Garlin, then left those gathered with a closing statement referencing the words of Sister Thea Bowman, who once called on Black Catholics to "show up and show out" through Jesus.

Sister Bowman was the first African American to be a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. A servant of God, she is one of six Black Catholics from the United States being considered for sainthood.

"Please continue to show up and show out through Christ Jesus, remembering who you are and whose you are," Garlin told the congregation. "I think we've made Black history today."

Garlin wanted Cardinal Gregory to speak at the Mass to inspire young people of color with his success in the church. The apostolate launched an essay contest tied to the liturgy, inviting juniors and seniors of African American, African and Caribbean descent in archdiocesan high schools to share their thoughts on his visit.

When he was installed as Washington's archbishop in May 2019, he was the first African American to shepherd the archdiocese in the nation's capital. Just over a year later he was made a cardinal by Pope Francis, receiving his red hat during the consistory at St. Peter's Basilica Nov. 28, 2020.

In addition to these remarkable firsts, he also was the first African American bishop to be president of the Conference of Bishops (2001-2004). He headed the Diocese of Belleville, Illinois, at the time. In 2002, during his term, revelations of clergy sexual abuse and its cover-up erupted, affecting the whole U.S. church. Under his leadership, the bishops implemented the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People." He also is a former archbishop of Atlanta.

On Jan. 6, 2025, Pope Francis accepted Cardinal Gregory's resignation; at 77 he is two years past the age at which canon law requires bishops to submit their resignation to the pope. Pope Francis named Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of San Diego as his successor. He will be installed March 11.