Central Catholic Celebrates Black History Month
Central Catholic has been celebrating Black History Month throughout February by sharing what the month means to some of our students, staffulty, and alumni. This celebration culminated with a special assembly on February 27 in Krompak Hall.
The theme for Black History Month 2025 is African Americans and Labor, as chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Central Catholic’s assembly focused on the theme Black Labor: Innovation, Integrity, and Involvement, and it featured panelists and students reflecting on our theme through poetry and speeches, as well as performances from the CCHS Gospel Choir.
Featured Panelists and Their Topics:
Tyler Wilson (‘12) - Innovation
A 2012 CCHS graduate, Tyler has made his mark in the fashion industry, working alongside renowned designer Darryl Brown of Midwest Kids, a brand that has collaborated with Hollister, PacSun, and Walmart and designed for A-list celebrities like Machine Gun Kelly and LeBron James. Bringing his business expertise to the creative world, Tyler’s journey began with a passion for people’s stories, which was nurtured at Central Catholic, and his early fashion business experience at Finish Line where he worked during and after high school. He lives in Toledo with his wife, who is expecting soon.
Richard Lane - Integrity
As the only lay African American full-time evangelist in the country, Richard has inspired hundreds of thousands of Catholics and Christians worldwide with his Bible-fed, Christ-led ministry. His powerful and engaging preaching style continues to ignite faith and renew spirits. Currently ministering at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns in Toledo, he brings a passion for the Gospel that is both unique and transformative. He is no stranger to Central Catholic, and we are honored to have him back for this assembly, as he is a living testimony of integrity in how he lives for the faith.
Jayla Watson (‘23) - Involvement
A 2023 CCHS graduate and a dedicated pharmacy student at the University of Toledo, Jayla is already making an incredible impact on campus. She serves as a Resident Assistant in the Office of Residence Life, mentors students through the Multicultural Emerging Scholars Program, and leads as the Freshman Leadership Program Director for the Black Student Union. As President of the University of Toledo Gospel Choir, she brings both leadership and passion to everything she does.
Students asked questions of the panelists about their education, how they have used their gifts to serve the church and the community, and their advice for current students about college, careers, and their faith.
“As we come together for our assembly, we reflect on the national Black History Month theme, Black labor,” said Morgan Connors, Central Catholic’s principal. “We acknowledge the innovation and integrity of those who have worked tirelessly to build up our communities, overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities where there were none. We celebrate the involvement of African Americans in every aspect of society, including involvement in educational organizations at Central Catholic and at the collegiate level, as their contributions continue to shape our nation and world.
“We look to our panelists, whose stories are rich with perseverance and vision, to inspire us to embrace our own work with purpose, creativity, and commitment. Through their example, we are reminded of our collective call to contribute to a greater good, to be agents of change, and to build a future where the Kingdom of God reigns in our labor.
“We are thankful for the work of our panelists and the efforts of our African-American Club and our Gospel Choir, as we celebrate Black history - not only today, but every day. This assembly serves as a reflection of the legacy of hard work, integrity, and community involvement that continues to light our path and guide our future.”
