Fr. James A. Tolton

Fr. James A. Tolton was the first African American priest in the United States. He was born in 1873 in Missouri and grew up in a family of former slaves. Tolton became a priest in 1896 and served in various roles throughout his career. He was known for his strong faith and his commitment to serving the African American community. Tolton passed away in 1948. He is remembered as a trailblazer and a symbol of hope for African Americans during a time of great racial tension.