In June of 1966, Holy Child Jesus Catholic Church in Canton, Mississippi, found itself at the heart of the civil rights movement.
During a peace march led by Martin Luther King Jr., parishioners were threatened, bombed and tear gassed.
Faith helped young Black Catholics in Canton, Mississippi, to not only press forward, but also to lead lives that have inspired others. Holy Child Jesus was and continues to be a sacred place for the community as it strives to develop peace and equality for all.
Catholic Extension Society works in solidarity with their efforts. Our donors helped build the church and has supported it for many years.
We traveled to Mississippi to hear the stories and reflections from the parishioners—now elders in the church—who fought and prayed for equal rights during this turbulent, dangerous and inspired period in history.
In this video we hear from community leaders such as Judge Mamie McClendon Chinn, who grew up attending the parish. In 1993 she became the first African American woman to be elected Madison County Justice Court Judge.
She said,
The church can really play a vital role in this ongoing struggle, because it absolutely is ongoing.”
Another parishioner, Myrtle Jean Otto, shares her experiences, including when the Ku Klux Klan arrived and started terrorizing the town’s families.
She said,
We knew how much danger we was in, but God protected us.”
This video is part of a three-part series called “Faith in Times of War and Conflict: Stories of Battle-Tested Catholics.”
This series showcases first-hand accounts of Catholic elders sharing how faith gave them courage during times of war and social upheaval.
As our world today witnesses so much conflict, violence, death and bloodshed, we proudly lift up the stories, wisdom and faith of battle-tested Catholic leaders from Catholic Extension Society communities who have each endured war and troubles.
Their stories of faith remind us that even in humanity’s darkest hours, there is hope. A hope which emanates from a God that never abandons us. Our next video will be released on July 4, 2022.
