Black, Catholic and Gen Z: In Searching for my Roots, I Found Pope Leo in my Past
What does it mean to be a member of Gen Z and a Black person of Catholic faith living in the United States at this moment of history? In searching for the answer, Gabrielle Pitre discovered she belonged to a past that helps her make sense of the present.
Pitre was a 2024-25 Hackworth Fellow and her ethics project examined the role of the Catholic Church in the institution of American slavery.
Growing up, I had always heard stories of my Black, Catholic and French-speaking heritage, and to be able to hold these documents brought this heritage and my ancestors to life. Oftentimes we are pressured by society to separate our racial identity from our faith identity. However, this process has shown me that both can coexist and create a beautiful and unique experience.
Gabrielle Pitre, a senior at Santa Clara University studying political science and ethnic studies, and a 2024-25 Hackworth Fellow with the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, published by America Magazine.
Gabrielle Pitre shares census records, baptismal certificates and family photographs she uncovered while researching her family’s Catholic roots in Louisiana. Photo by Miguel Ozuna, Santa Clara University.