USD Magazine Spring 2023

TORERO NEWS USD MAGAZINE

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by Matthew Piechalak P l a z a name d a f t e r t r a i l b l a z e r S i s t e r The a Bowman T A P R O P H E T I C S P I R I T he plaza between Copley Library and the Learning Commons will hence-

word to say about her story than ‘amazing,’” said Morrison. “The work that she did within her own community and the advocacy that she had within the Catholic church throughout her life was absolutely amazing.” Bowman called for reconcilia- tion and full inclusion of African Americans within the Catholic Church, said Rev. Michele Wat- kins, PhD, assistant professor of Theology and Religious Studies. “Sister Thea Bowman was a prophetic spirit — she walked as a companion with Christ. She was a freedom

the church to accept her as fully Black and fully Catholic. The naming ceremony fea- tured several speakers and was emceed by Kaia Morrison, a fourth-year computer science major and president of the USD Black Student Union. “I can’t think of any other

Bowman (pictured), a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Per- petual Adoration, was a promi- nent Black Catholic teacher, musician, liturgist and scholar who made major contributions to the Catholic Church on be- half of African Americans. During her life, she challenged

forth be known as Sister Thea Bowman Plaza. The plaza was formally named in honor of Bow- man during a naming ceremony held in the Learning Commons Town Square in November.

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