A podcast where Black Catholics discuss the issues of the day and bring an authentically Black perspective to the table.
Hosts: Nate Tinner-Williams and Eric T. Styles
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Discovering Dédé: How OperaCréole helps bring Black opera back to life
Summary
Givonna Joseph and Aria M. Mason discuss the mission of OperaCréole; their efforts to perform and record the long-lost opera "Morgiane" by the late Black composer Edmond Dédé; and the cultural context significance of their work in New Orleans. They explore themes of empowerment, resistance, and the rich history of Black women in the arts, while also looking ahead to future projects that honor the legacy of Black composers and engage the community in classical music.
Show notes
OperaCréole website: https://www.operacreole.org/ (https://www.operacreole.org/)
Edmond Dédé: Learn more (https://share.google/bfCXWnbVvEQCkZwEv)
Sister Mary Elise, a White member of St. Katharine Drexel's Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament founded National Opera Ebony, a national Black touring company, in 1973. https://www.operaebony.org/ (https://www.operaebony.org/)
Chapters
01:53 The origins of OperaCréole
04:11 New Orleans: A historical center for opera
06:19 Personal journeys into the opera scene
10:48 The intersection of sacred and Black music
14:13 Rediscovering Edmond Dédé's opera "Morgiane"
23:13 The journey to the "Morgiane" premiere
30:03 Touring the production
37:23 Cultural context and historical significance
49:22 Future aspirations for Morgiane and OperaCréole
~~
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18 Jan 2026
Is it finally time for Black Christians to unite?
Summary
In this conversation, we discuss the importance of ecumenism, particularly within the Black community, and reflect on the historical context of Christian unity. We explore the significance of the Council of Nicaea, its 1700th anniversary in 2025, the role of love in ecumenical efforts, and the challenges of unity among different Christian traditions. The discussion also touches on the impact of music, the complexities of doctrinal differences, and the future of ecumenism, emphasizing the need for understanding and collaboration among diverse faith communities.
Show notes
2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity (https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity)
BCM podcast episode with Ethiopian deacon Henok Elias: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0heNkPcFMI&list=PLQsr7W6MHTzNm91QX8ldtsrWdj_QWr-N-&index=3&t=12s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0heNkPcFMI&list=PLQsr7W6MHTzNm91QX8ldtsrWdj_QWr-N-&index=3&t=12s)
Link to original 325 Nicene Creed: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fa5PkYFS3vmtTRGip_diaf7Lq1CZZ93RAA_rTdWitNo/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.go803rozvcgl (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fa5PkYFS3vmtTRGip_diaf7Lq1CZZ93RAA_rTdWitNo/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.go803rozvcgl)
"Baptism as Mystical-Political Engagement" (LaRyssa D. Herrington): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14769948.2025.2465227 (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14769948.2025.2465227)
Chapters
01:45 The Importance of Ecumenism in the Black Community
05:02 Reflections on the Council of Nicaea
09:31 The Role of Love in Ecumenical Efforts
13:42 Understanding Differences in Christian Traditions
16:18 The Challenge of Unity Among Protestants
21:22 The Nature of Communion and Its Implications
25:58 Experiences of Mysticism in the Black Community
30:10 The Impact of Historical Context on Faith
34:12 The Role of Music in Faith and Unity
38:35 Navigating Doctrinal Differences
42:00 The Significance of Shared Celebrations
01:02:21 The Future of Ecumenism and Unity
~~
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23 Dec 2025
Dr. John F. Leeke and Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke on the divine work of DEI
Show notes
Nate Tinner-Williams engages with Dr. John F Leeke and his daughter Ananda Leeke, co-authors of "American Change Agent: A Life & Legacy of Seeking Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion." They discuss their backgrounds, the journey of writing their book, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today's society. The conversation explores the intersection of faith and DEI, the role of wellness in promoting inclusion, and the historical context of DEI efforts. They also address critiques of DEI initiatives and emphasize the power of individual change agents in creating a more equitable society.
Book link: http://anandaleeke.com/drjohn/ (http://anandaleeke.com/drjohn/)
Chapters
06:01 The Journey to Writing 'American Change Agent'
10:57 The Connection Between Faith and DEI
17:49 Wellness and Its Role in DEI
21:54 Understanding Historical Context in DEI
28:10 Personal Experiences in the DEI Movement
34:45 Critiques of DEI and the Role of Change Agents
~~
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