Name/Title
Saint Katherine Drexel Racial Justice Award CeremonyEntry/Object ID
WL.0108bDescription
Saint Katherine Drexel Racial Justice Award Ceremony. This image features a choir singing near awards on a table. One of these was presented by the Archdiocese of Chicago's Office of Racial Justice in recognition of the IBVMs efforts integrating Loretto High School Woodlawn and the creation of the Loretto Adult Education Center. Founded in 1964, the LAEC program worked to improve literacy, provide job training and award high school diplomas to low income adults and young adults.
In 1905, the IBVM Sisters were invited to build a school in the Chicago community of Woodlawn. Located at 1447 East 65th Street, Loretto Academy formally opened in August of 1906 and operated until 1972. Following its closure, the school merged with Mercy High School to form Unity High School. Later, the building was sold to The Woodlawn Community Development Corporation and served in various capacities.Context
Born in 1585 in North Yorkshire, England, Mary Ward founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1609. Focused on education, the Sisters developed their ministry despite significant political, spiritual and material challenges. In 1880, the Canadian Mission of the IBVM established a presence in Illinois, and the following year, the IBVM North American Branch was created. In 1892, their ministry expanded into Chicago, and by 1896, the Sisters had opened a school in Michigan. Over the following decades, further growth resulted in ministries in California and Arizona, both of which began in 1949. In the 21st Century, the IBVM and its companions are active in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, California and Arizona.Lexicon
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Religion, Religious Organizations, Sisters of Loretto, Photos, Photographs, Pictures, Black History, African American Experience, People, Music and MusiciansReproductions
Notes
Please contact the IBVM Archives (archives@ibvm.us) for further information or materials requests.