The Archdiocese of Chicago is set to host its 47th annual African American Heritage Prayer Service on Friday, February 21, 2025. The event will take place at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago at 9:30 a.m. Reverend Thulani Magwaza, pastor at St. Sabina Parish, Greg Richmond, superintendent of Catholic Schools, along with archdiocesan priests and deacons, will participate in the event alongside hundreds of students from across the archdiocese as part of Black History Month celebrations.

Esther Debrah will be welcomed as a special guest speaker. Debrah is noted for her achievements as a graduate of Loyola Academy in Wilmette and recipient of the 2024 student leadership award.

This prayer service aims to bring together students, educators, and clergy from Catholic elementary and high schools to honor the significant contributions of Black Catholics within the Archdiocese. More than 100 student leaders are expected to participate through various expressions such as sign language, spoken word, drumming, song, scripture readings, and praise dance.

The theme for this year's service is "We Are Called to Hope, Love, and Action." It will celebrate six U.S. Black Catholics who are on their path to sainthood: Venerable Augustus Tolton, Venerable Henriette Delille, Venerable Mother Mary Lange, Venerable Pierre Toussaint; Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman; and Julia Greeley—each recognized for their dedication to peace and justice.

Awards will also be presented during the service. Sister Ilse Aguilar Castillo from Immaculate Conception School in South Chicago will receive an African American Heritage Award for religious leadership while Mr. Tyrone Pittman from St. Ethelreda School will be honored as a community leader. Educator leadership awards are designated for Ms. Diane Asbury from St. Philip Neri School and Ms. Shantá Wheeler from Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School; student awards will go to Asia Anderson from Academy of St. Sabina and Christian Clay from St. Walter-St Benedict School.

Melissa Link expressed enthusiasm about this celebration: “Our schools have a long and distinguished history of celebrating the contributions of the diverse populations that make up our Church family," she stated. "We are excited to join in prayer this month to uplift and affirm the gifts all of us bring to our Catholic community.”