Our Lady of Victory: The Saga of an African-American Catholic Community

It was the year Our Lady of Victory was founded in a storefront in the midst of a developing Black Community still reeling from the effects of the worst race riot in Detroit. It is a fascinating account of growing up Catholic. Did you know that it was unheard of to assign archdiocesan priests to black churches? So it was historic when in 1946 Fr. Alv

It was the year Our Lady of Victory was founded in a storefront in the midst of a developing Black Community still reeling from the effects of the worst race riot in Detroit. It is a fascinating account of growing up Catholic. Did you know that it was unheard of to assign archdiocesan priests to black churches? So it was historic when in 1946 Fr. Alvin Deem, a missionary priest, was removed and replaced by an archdiocesan priest. While Fr. Hubert Roberge was the right priest under the circumstances, it began a series of events that caused the failure of this parish to thrive.

"Our Lady of Victory-the Saga of an African American Catholic Community" is a compilation of memories, records, photos and interviews. The author recalls growing up in the legacy of Mother Anna Bates.

Follow the tale of the infamous wall . built to separate blacks from white residents and how it almost impeded the development of the area. It's the story of a thriving Catholic community in spite of regressive government policies; about to develop strong Catholic roots but doesn't quite make it.

This is the Saga of an African-American Catholic Community