Welcome to this edition of Southern Illinois Wonders. Today we look at the development of an African American Catholic community in southern Illinois in the mid 20th Century, when segregation still affected many facets of life.
Father Joseph Brown is a priest, educator, scholar and artist. He reflects on his family's early encounters with the Church in two different locations within the region for this edition of Southern Illinois Wonders.
Father Joseph Brown is a professor of Africana Studies at SIU Carbondale and frequently speaks and writes about African American literature, culture, and religious life. His publications include To Stand on the Rock: Mediations on Black Catholic Identity, Sweet, Sweet, Spirit: Prayer Services from the Black Catholic Church, and a collection of poetry.
Southern Illinois Wonders is produced in collaboration with the Illinois Humanities Council, a non-profit organization that fosters cultural vitality in communities throughout the state. More information is on line at www.prairie.org.
Theme music for Southern Illinois Wonders is provided by Robert Bowlin.