.jpg)
CONFERENCE MATERIALS
**CLICK IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTS**
CITATION FROM THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
HARAMBEE BANQUET
JUBILEE MASS BOOKLET
REFLECTION GUIDE
As sisters from across the country gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the National Black Sisters’ Conference Annual Assembly, the city’s rich history, dynamic culture, and spirit of resilience provided an inspiring stage for several days of fellowship, community, and fortification for Black women religious. Centered around the overarching theme, “The Goodness of God,” the gathering offered a luminous arc of prayer, reflection, and discernment that invited participants to witness amid systemic challenge, embrace restorative hope, and serve with renewed zeal. The program wove together contemplative prayer, meditative moments, and exuberant worship with practical formation, including workshops on governance, effective ministry, stewardship, and sustainable fundraising, as well as sessions on mental health, spiritual caregiving, and holistic wellness. Keynote addresses and panel discussions anchored conversations in Black feminist theology, liberation spirituality, and the lived realities of ministry, education, and advocacy, challenging participants to translate faith into concrete action that uplifts communities and advances racial and social justice. Attendees—representing diverse orders, provinces, and communities—formed a rich tapestry of kinship, intergenerational mentorship, and cross-cultural collaboration, while lay partners, associates, and allies joined in solidarity to strengthen mission and service. The assembly also highlighted vocations and formation pathways, offering discernment opportunities, mentorship connections, and pathways for ongoing education and spiritual deepening for women considering religious life as well as ongoing growth for those already vowed. Cultural experiences, heritage celebrations, and community-building activities honored the courageous contributions of Black Catholic women throughout history, while contemporary forums fostered innovative ministry models, media outreach, and creative evangelization for today’s world. In leaving Philadelphia, participants carried forward renewed faith, reinforced sisterhood, and a shared commitment to witness, advocate, and lead with courage, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the goodness of God at work in the lives of Black women religious and the communities they serve.
JULIE GREELEY “LITTLE RED WAGON” ASSOCIATES’ AWARD
The award bears the name of the Servant of God Julia Greeley, whose life reflected humble yet heroic devotion to loving one’s neighbor. Julia Greeley is the first African American laywoman whose cause for canonization has been opened by the Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado.
Julia Greeley was repeatedly observed visiting the homes of the poor, often at night, accompanied by her small red wagon filled with food, warm clothing, toys, and other necessities for those she quietly—sometimes unknowingly—served out of love for God.
The National Black Sisters’ Conference Board of Directors has chosen Servant of God Julia Greeley as patron and exemplar for our lay associate members. They embody the spirit and generosity of this devoted woman of God by:
-
Maintaining membership in good standing
-
Living an exemplary life of faith, witness, and humble service
-
Actively supporting the vision and mission of the National Black Sisters’ Conference
-
Promoting leadership development among African American women within the church and local communities
-
Standing in solidarity with women worldwide in the pursuit of human rights
JULIE GREELEY AWARDEE
Karen Lowe Graham, PhD
Karen Lowe Graham, PhD, is the Senior Associate ORE Core Leader and Manager of Community Relations at the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center. She is responsible for developing and implementing recruitment and education activities of the RADC. She develops and manages relationships with key partners and stakeholders — including working with representatives of the RADC, local elected officials and various members and leaders of numerous targeted communities and overseeing community engagement efforts and related communications. She works in close partnership with other core groups in the aging field. This includes acting as a liaison between communities of color and the RADC. In this role, she contributes to strategically planning effective means of translating findings of the center's studies into practical applications and programming for communities of color. In addition to these duties, she is the chair of the Education Committee of the RADC. Karen has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master's degree in psychology from Roosevelt University in Chicago and a PhD in Nursing Research from Rush's College of Nursing. Karen holds several leadership positions in aging organizations locally and nationally.
HARRIET TUBMAN AWARDEE
Sr. Vicki Chambers, SSND
Sister Vicki Jean Chambers of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Central Pacific Province, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been a member since 1990, celebrating her 35th anniversary of vows this year. She has actively participated in the National Black Sisters Conference since 1985.
Her ministry includes serving as a librarian in Milwaukee elementary schools, teaching religion at Messmer High School, and directing religious education at St. Bernadette Parish. She also worked as a librarian and religion teacher at Memphis Catholic in Tennessee, and as an associate archivist for her congregation in Milwaukee. Currently, she is involved in community activities, serving as a Vocation Minister, Spiritual Director, and archivist for the National Black Sisters Conference, working with Marquette University.
Sister Vicki earned her Certificate in Interfaith and Inter-Spiritual Direction in 2024, a B.S. from Edgewood University (1979), a Master of Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1983), and a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from Cardinal Stritch University (2000).
