WELCOME!
About the Museum
The St. Monica Museum of Black Catholic Culture & History was established February 27, 2026 as a nonprofit corporation in the State of Missouri. It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
The Museum’s mission is: “Honoring Past Generations…Inspiring Future Generations.”
A physical location within the Historic 18th & Vine District is currently being planned.
Governance
Board of Directors:
G. Lawrence Blankinship
Alvin Brooks
Jackie Dinvaut
Roberta Gumbel (not pictured)
Robert Reintjes, Sr.
Affiliate Teams
Ambassador Team is responsible for goodwill, outreach and fundraising
Advisory Committee provides advice regarding current and future Museum content
Staffing Committee is responsible for volunteers, staffing, and coverage of the Museum
Our Heritage
Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange
Established the first African American religious order for Catholic nuns.
Father Augustus Tolton
Became the first “publicly known” Catholic Black priest in the United States in 1886.
Bishop Harold Robert Perry
The first “publicly known” Catholic Black Bishop in the United States.
The Healy Brothers
Born to an enslaved African American mother in Georgia, their skin color was fair and they “passed” for Caucasian. James Healy became Bishop of Portland, Maine in 1875. His younger brother Patrick Healy became the first African American Jesuit priest in 1864.
Cardinal Wilton David Gregory, Jr.
The first Catholic African American Cardinal.
5-Oldest Black Catholic Churches in the United States
St. Augustine Catholic Church, New Orleans, Louisiana…1841
St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington, DC…1858
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Baltimore, Maryland…1863
Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Mobile, Alabama…1899
St. Monica Catholic Church, Kansas City, Missouri…1910
Since Black Catholics were discouraged, and in some cases prevented, from attending established Catholic churches, these churches were started, and were the early homes of worship for African American Catholics.
Who was Saint Monica?
St. Monica was born in Tagasste, Algeria in 332 A. D. She is known for her piety, patience and persistence, particularly in the conversion of her son Augustine who became one of the Church’s most well-respected theologians and philosophers.
Many churches and schools have been named for St. Monica, including St. Monica Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri which was initially established in 1910 as the “St. Monica Mission for Colored Catholics.” It is the fifth oldest Black Catholic church in the United States and the oldest in the western two-thirds of the nation.
Upcoming Features
The St. Monica Museum will be a state-of-the-art repository reflecting the Black Catholic experience locally, nationally, and internationally.
· “Around the World” - Black Catholicism on different continents.
· “Catholicism & Civil Rights” – A moral imperative
· “Catholicism & Education for Black Children” – A look from kindergarten to Xavier University.
· “Deacon’s Den” – Tribute to this special category of ministerial servants.
· “Interactive Exhibits” – Fun & Informative
· “Interconnection of Faith & Fame” – Learn about celebrity Black Catholics, past & present.
· “Mass-Message-Music-More” – Uniqueness of the Black Catholic worship experience.
· “Religious Pioneers” – Stories of faith, courage, strength and resilience.
· “Saintly Seven” – Stories of seven Black Catholics on the path to Sainthood.
Support
St. Monica Museum can be supported in a variety of ways. To contribute financially:
CashApp
PayPal
Venmo
Checks can be mailed to: P. O. Box 300027, Kansas City, MO 64130
Thank you. Your support is appreciated.
We gratefully acknowledge our initial corporate contributors: Sherman Family Foundation, Tension Corporation and Shirley & Barnett Helzberg Foundation.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Address
P. O. Box 300027, Kansas City, Missouri 64130
Phone
(816) 590-0077
