ABOUT THE EVENT

Harambee at CTU
Saturday, March 1 | Noon – 4 PM
Catholic Theological Union
5416 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

Join us for Harambee, Catholic Theological Union’s annual fundraising event dedicated to supporting the Augustus Tolton Pastoral Ministry Program. “Harambee,” a Swahili word meaning “Let us pull together,” beautifully reflects the spirit of unity, collaboration, and shared purpose that underpins this special evening.

The Tolton Program is a transformative initiative that empowers Lay Black Catholic men and women to serve their communities through ministry. This program provides academic, personal, spiritual, and professional preparation to meet the unique needs of Black Catholics, whether in predominantly Black Catholic spaces or other communities.

The legacy of Fr. Augustus Tolton, the first publicly recognized Black Catholic priest in the United States, lives on through the dedication of the program’s participants who are actively pursuing theological studies at CTU. CTU stands apart in theological education, offering courses in Black Theology, Black Spirituality, and a specialized Certificate in Black Theology, ensuring that Black Catholic traditions and perspectives are celebrated and nurtured.

Your presence at Harambee directly supports the Tolton Program, helping to fund scholarships and other resources that enable future leaders to answer the call to ministry and continue Fr. Tolton’s legacy of resilience, hope, and service. Together, let us pull together and build a stronger future for the Church and the communities we serve.
We invite you to join us for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and community.

Event Highlights:

• Inspirational stories from Tolton Scholars
• Recognition of the program’s impact and legacy
• Opportunities to make a difference through your support

Let us pull together to strengthen the future of Black Catholic ministry!

This year’s Honoree is Sr. Jamie Phelps
Sr. Jamie T. Phelps, OP, PhD, in 1959 was one of over forty postulates (the only African American) who entered the Adrian Dominicans. She was a professor at Catholic Theological Union (CTU). She also was the Director at the Institute of Black Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans. She has written many theological essays and articles. Sr. Jamie has edited Black and Catholic: The Challenge and Gift of Black Folk and Stamped with the Image of God: African Americans as God’s Image in Black with Cyprian Davis, OSB. She has also worked with U.S. and local Bishops as a consultant on their pastorals on racism and in dialogue on sexism in the church. She is retired and resides at the Adrian Dominican Mother House in Adrian, Michigan.