RIVIERA BEACH | African American culture was celebrated Feb. 28, 2026, with the 36th annual Black Awareness Celebration at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Riviera Beach.
Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez presided at what he said was a “great occasion of thanksgiving for the wonderful presence of so many brothers and sisters in our parish of African American background, who always are an essential component of both our country and our church.”
The bishop was joined by Father Ambrose Kadambukatt, parochial administrator, Father Alexis Joseph, priest in residence, Msgr. David Benz, Father Raciel Treviño, Father Brian King and Deacon Greg Quinn.
Father Joseph’s homily highlighted the observance of Black History Month as a celebration of courage, hope and faith. He said African Americans have made major contributions to literature, music, visual arts, media, politics, science and business.
“Black cultural awareness invites you and me to see courage, to see hope and to see faith, not as a distinct faith but as a reality that has formed the history of the Black experience,” Father Joseph said.
The vigil liturgy was preceded by a concert featuring the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir, Ebony Chorale of the Palm Beaches, St. John Missionary Baptist Church Men’s Choir, St. Francis Church Choir and liturgical dancers from Bible Teachers International. Ebony Chorale director Orville Lawton spoke on the history and meaning of the musical form known as African American spiritual.
Historical vignettes were presented spotlighting prominent figures in African American culture, including pioneering nurse, physical therapist and inventor Bessie Blount Griffin, manufacturer, entrepreneur and civil rights activist Charles Richard Patterson, and teacher, musician and scholar Sister Thea Bowman, now known as a “servant of God” as her cause for sainthood proceeds.
Following the Mass, all were invited to enjoy food and fellowship in the parish hall. For more information on St. Francis of Assisi Parish, call 561-863-2985 or visit https://stfrancisofassisi1948.org/. The recorded Mass can be watched on the parish Facebook page at www.facebook.com/stfrancisrbf.
