Birmingham Hosts 24th National Black Catholic Men’s Event

The annual conference gathered participants for fellowship and dialogue focused on faith and social justice.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in African-American

Bold vector editorial illustration of clasped hands on a stone plinth, symbolizing community and faith. — The 24th annual Fr. Chester P. Smith National Black Catholic Men's Conference in Birmingham gathered participants to discuss faith and community leadership. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The 24th annual Fr. Chester P. Smith National Black Catholic Men's Conference recently concluded in Birmingham. Attendees explored the theme The Rock I Stand On through workshops, prayer, and community dialogue.

Why it matters

The event equips Black Catholic men with the spiritual and practical tools needed to serve as leaders, protectors, and providers in their local communities. Participants work to bridge the connection between their faith and their role in pursuing social justice.

The conference has been held annually for 24 years to support the mission established by its co-founders. Father Chester P. Smith, who co-founded the event, passed away in 2020 at age 60.

The players

Father Chester P. Smith

He was a co-founder of the conference who was ordained as a priest in 1988.

Father Charles Smith

He served as a co-founder of the event and was ordained as a priest in 1988.

Father Kenneth Hamilton

He was one of the three co-founders who established the conference 24 years ago.

Bowman Francis Ministry

This organization acted as one of the primary hosts for the national conference.

The details

The four-day event featured a Civil Rights Immersion Tour and a Harambe Town Hall, encouraging attendees to integrate faith with social responsibility. Bowman Francis Ministry, the Society of the Divine Word Missionaries, and the Office of Black Catholic Ministry of the Diocese of Birmingham served as official hosts.

1988: Chester and Charles Smith were ordained as priests.
April 8, 2020: Father Chester P. Smith died.
October 15-18, 2026: The 24th National Black Catholic Men's Conference occurred.

Culture Shift

This conference aligns with the historical role of Black Catholic ministries in civil rights advocacy. The gathering reinforces a tradition of merging spiritual formation with community-level social justice engagement.

Attendees are expected to bring the skills and spiritual practices gained during the conference back to their local congregations. This promotes a sustained focus on social responsibility within their respective home communities.

The takeaway

The conference highlights the importance of equipping men with both spiritual and life skills to foster leadership. Attendees are encouraged to apply these lessons to their daily lives and ministries to better serve their local neighborhoods.