Ms. Shaniqua Harris, parishioner at St. Agnes-Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church along with several outstanding women and youth from the African American Catholic community will be recognized at the “Thea Awards Honoring African American Women “In the Spirit” of Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA,” Sunday afternoon, May 7, 2017 at the Hilton Garden Inn Banquet & Conference Center.
Sr. Thea Bowman, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, lived life with hope, love and justice for all people. A tireless advocate, Sister Thea always educated and preached about the need to break down racial and cultural barriers. Her spirited presentations combined singing, gospel preaching, along with prayer and storytelling inspired all to live deeply the Christian values of justice and peace. Through her teaching, she was described as a ‘soul liberator, a mind liberator.” Thea also used music as an important part of her ministry. Sr. Thea died on March 30, 1990 of cancer.
The “Thea” Awards will be presented to Women and Young Women in the African American Catholic Community who have provided strong and effective leadership and service. Award recipients foster educational opportunities, demonstrate strong personal faith and compassion for others and have an intense interest in encouraging Black Catholic identity. They dedicate their time and talents to their parish community and are concerned with and sensitive to the social teachings of the Church. All recipients were nominated by parish leadership.
Award Recipients
Women of Wisdom: Carol Buge/Holy Spirit, Linda Gamble/St. Adalbert-OLBS, Frances Leach/Communion of Saints, Pamela Petty/St. Aloysius-St. Agatha, Marcia Smith/St. Agnes-Our Lady of Fatima and Margarete W. Smith/Holy Spirit.
Innovative Youth: Octavia Lynn Meeks-Colen/St. Adalbert-OLBS, Maya Crawford/Holy Spirit, Brianna Davis/St. Agnes-Our Lady of Fatima, Camryn Gamble/St. Adalbert-OLBS and Layah Hodges/St. Agnes-Our Lady of Fatima Church.
African American Catholic Woman in the Legacy of Georgia McCoy: Ms. Shaniqua Harris will be presented the Award for her leadership, commitment and willingness to be of service to the parish, diocesan community and the civic community.
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