24th Annual Black Catholic Men's Conference Draws Hundreds to Birmingham Under Theme 'The Rock I Stand On'
The 24th annual Fr. Chester P. Smith National Black Catholic Men's Conference convened in Birmingham, Alabama, from October 15 to 18, 2026. Hosted by the Diocese of Birmingham's Office of Black Catholic Ministry, the gathering focused on equipping Black Catholic men for leadership in their families, parishes, and communities. Attendees participated in a Civil Rights Immersion Tour and a town hall connecting faith with current social challenges.
Hundreds of Black Catholic men gathered in Birmingham, Alabama, from October 15 to 18, 2026, for the 24th annual Fr. Chester P. Smith National Black Catholic Men's Conference.
The conference, hosted by the Bowman Francis Ministry, the Society of the Divine Word Missionaries, and the Diocese of Birmingham's Office of Black Catholic Ministry, carried the theme "The Rock I Stand On." Sessions focused on leadership development, family life, and the role of Black Catholic men in their parishes and broader communities.
Attendees took part in a Civil Rights Immersion Tour, visiting historic sites in Birmingham connected to the 1960s civil rights movement. Organizers said the tour was designed to connect the faith commitments of participants with the legacy of those who fought for racial justice.
A "Harambe Town Hall" brought together speakers to discuss contemporary challenges facing Black communities, including economic inequality, education, and the church's response to social change.
"This conference is about more than inspiration," said one of the event's organizers. "We want men to leave here with tools, with community, and with a deeper sense of what God is calling them to do."
The Fr. Chester P. Smith conference is named after a pioneering Black Catholic priest who dedicated his ministry to serving African American communities in the South. It has grown steadily since its founding and now draws participants from across the country.
Diocesan officials said the Birmingham gathering was one of the largest in the conference's history. Planning for the 25th anniversary conference is already underway, with organizers considering an expanded program to mark the milestone.
