Source: Chicago Sun-Times
On November 3, 2000, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Black Catholic Convocation would be held over the weekend for the first time in Chicago. Approximately 1,000 black Catholics from throughout the Chicago area were expected to gather to discuss ways to gain a stronger voice in the Roman Catholic Church. Participants from over 43 predominantly African-American parishes voted on recommendations to help the Archdiocese of Chicago better address their concerns. Relevant issues included the "plight of inner-city Catholic schools and the paucity of black priests and religious and lay leadership." The convocation included inspirational stories of the first black Catholic churches in America and the first black Catholic schools.