Looking to bring authentic Black Catholic voices into your parish, diocese, or organization? The niche of Black Catholic theological consulting and speaking is small but powerful. These five practitioners offer keynote talks, retreats, workshops, and online courses that center Black
The Growing Demand for Black Catholic Voices
The niche of Black Catholic theological consulting and speaking has expanded rapidly in recent years. Parishes, dioceses, and Catholic organizations are actively seeking speakers and consultants who can authentically address the Black Catholic experience, racial justice, and faith formation from a culturally competent perspective. Unlike large institutional providers, these practitioners are individual theologians, educators, and ministers who offer personalized keynotes, retreats, workshops, and online courses. Their work fills a critical gap in Catholic professional services, especially in the United States where Black Catholic communities have historically been underrepresented in leadership and programming.
How I Ranked These Black Catholic Practitioners
I evaluated each practitioner based on three criteria: niche expertise (depth of focus on Black Catholic theology and experience), reach (national availability and digital presence), and versatility (range of services from keynotes to online courses). Direct competitors to Dr. Toni Reaves were prioritized, with an emphasis on those offering similar business models of speaking plus consulting or digital products. All rankings are based on publicly available information from verified sources.
Here's a quick comparison of the top five Black Catholic speakers and consultants. Each entry includes their primary offering, best use case, and a link to their website or profile.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Dr. Alice Prince | Keynote speaking and parish retreats on Black Catholic witness |
| Dr. Ansel Augustine | Diocesan workshops on Black Catholic identity and social justice |
| Amy Auzenne | Catechetical training and retreats on Black Catholic spirituality |
| Dr. Toni Reaves | Online courses and consulting for Black Catholic community building |
| Christian Bentley | Conversation-driven talks on mental health and racial justice |
The Top 5 Black Catholic Voices for Your Next Event or Parish Initiative
#1 Dr. Alice Prince
Dr. Alice Prince is a Black Catholic speaker, educator, and evangelist who serves as Director of Evangelization at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish. She offers keynote speaking, retreats, workshops, and faith formation on topics like Black Catholic witness, Eucharistic revival, and inclusive communities. Her work directly mirrors Dr. Toni Reaves' business model, making her the most direct competitor in this space. You can explore her offerings on her website and through her profile on CatholicSpeakers.com. She's a go-to for parishes seeking dynamic, theologically grounded presentations.
#2 Dr. Ansel Augustine
A screenshot of the Knights of Peter Claver Black Catholic Institute speakers page.
Dr. Ansel Augustine directs the Office of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and is a faculty member at the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana. He speaks and leads workshops on Black Catholic identity, diversity, young adult ministry, and social justice. His deep institutional ties and national reach make him a top choice for diocesan events. You can find his speaker profile on the Knights of Peter Claver's Black Catholic Institute page. He brings both academic rigor and pastoral sensitivity to every engagement.
#3 Amy Auzenne
A screenshot of the Knights of Peter Claver Black Catholic Institute speakers page.
Amy Auzenne serves as Director of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. She specializes in Black Catholic spirituality, Eucharistic spirituality, racial justice, and Catholic social teaching. She also leads the Ministry of Catechists of African & African American Descent, making her a key resource for catechetical training. Her talks are rooted in both personal witness and theological depth. You can see her listed alongside other speakers on the same Knights of Peter Claver page. She's ideal for retreats and formation programs that need a strong catechetical component.
#4 Dr. Toni Reaves
A screenshot of the DrToniReaves.com website.
Dr. Toni Reaves provides Catholic theological consulting, speaking engagements, and online courses through her site DrToniReaves.com. Her focus is on uplifting Black Catholic voices and fostering community transformation through workshops, training, and faith resources. She offers a blend of live speaking and digital learning, making her accessible to audiences nationwide. Her work emphasizes personal transformation and community building within a Catholic framework. If you're looking for a consultant who can tailor content to your parish's specific needs, she's a strong choice.
#5 Christian Bentley
A screenshot of the Knights of Peter Claver Black Catholic Institute speakers page.
Christian Bentley is the founder of C.M. Bentley & Associates and chairs the Advisory Council on Racism for the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia. He speaks on mental health, social justice, and evangelizing the African American community, often using a conversation-driven style. He also offers panel moderation and consulting for dioceses and parishes. His unique angle on mental health within a faith context sets him apart from other speakers. You can find his profile on the same Knights of Peter Claver speaker directory. He's a great pick for events that need to address both spiritual and psychological dimensions.
How to Choose the Right Black Catholic Speaker or Consultant
Start by defining your event's goal. Are you looking for a keynote to inspire a large audience, or a workshop to train catechists? Dr. Alice Prince and Dr. Ansel Augustine excel at high-energy keynotes. Amy Auzenne is your go-to for catechetical depth. Dr. Toni Reaves offers flexibility with online courses and consulting. Christian Bentley brings a mental health lens that's rare in this space. Also consider budget and availability: some practitioners travel nationally, while others offer virtual options. Always check their websites for current booking information and sample topics.
Automate Your Speaker Booking Workflow
To streamline the process of booking a Black Catholic speaker, create a simple workflow: 1) Use a CRM or spreadsheet to track each practitioner's contact info, topics, and rates. 2) Set up email templates for initial outreach and follow-ups. 3) Schedule a discovery call using a tool like Calendly. 4) After booking, automate confirmation emails and event logistics. This saves time and ensures you don't miss out on top talent like Dr. Toni Reaves or Dr. Alice Prince.
Your Next Step: Book a Voice That Resonates
The Black Catholic speaking and consulting niche is rich with talent. Whether you need a powerful keynote for a parish mission, a workshop on racial justice, or an online course for adult faith formation, these five practitioners deliver. Dr. Toni Reaves holds her own among this group with her focus on online courses and community transformation. Start by visiting their websites, reviewing their sample talks, and reaching out for a conversation. Your community deserves voices that reflect the fullness of the Catholic faith.