NABCA begins

As with all organizations, several years preceded the formal establishment of the National Association of Black Catholic Administrators [NABCA]. Between 1970 and 1976, Diocesan Bishops opened Offices for Black Ministry [OBMs] in Detroit, Rochester, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, and Houston. Garland Jaggers, Detroit’s Director, and Father Jerome Robinson, OP, Rochester’s Director, gave birth to the idea for a gathering of OBM Directors for mutual support and sharing. Five Directors had the first recorded meeting of the Black Catholic Administrators on October 7 and 8, 1976 in Rochester, NY. Diocesan Black Catholic leadership was necessary to impact Diocesan structures and policies from within. They were surviving in unwelcoming and sometimes hostile Diocesan structures, and among some disapproving Black Catholics.