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Sister Thea Bowman
The St. Columba Sister Thea Bowman Award is offered to an individual who, like Sister Thea, has demonstrated commitment to selfless service to God and aided others to develop a deep appreciation of the rich history of African American Catholic community, faith and values.
2020 Sister Thea Bowman Award Recipient
Deacon Thom McGowen has served the Catholic Church and supported the African American Catholic community for many decades. A former member of Saint Columba, he eventually moved to St. John the Baptist in El Cerrito with his wife Deanie, where he has served as Deacon for 25 years.
A proud veteran of World War II and in his 90th decade, he continues to support St. John the Baptist's congregation and remains active organizing and encouraging African American Catholic traditions and values.
This includes offering a powerful monthly homily with themes of Black Catholic spiritual wisdom and justice.Some ofDeacon McGowen's previous cornerstone contributions and roles include:
Founding Member of African American Spiritual Committee He was instrumental in helping establish the original African American spiritual committee at St. John the Baptist in the 1990s, including strong community work to unite and support parishioners to develop the church's African American celebration month.
Senior Deacon Ordained in 1995, he serves as the senior African American Deacon in
the Diocese and at his home church of St. John the Baptist.
Leadership Positions for the Diocese For many years Deacon McGowen served as leader of the Diocese Office of Black Catholics (while it was still in existence), and was also appointed Ecumenical Officer by Bishop Cummings, with whom he had a good friendship. In this role, he represented the Diocese of Oakland at numerous conferences and meetings around the U.S. and Canada.
Support of Fundraising for Black Students He supported numerous efforts to raise money for students of color to attend Catholic primary and secondary schools. Support of Cultural Heritage Trips: Besides organizing fundraising to send young Black church members to Africa to support learning and exploration of their rich cultural heritage, Deacon McGowen and his wife traveled to Kenya with the church , building important connections with other Catholic communities, and attending mass with a visiting
Pope Francis.
Counseling He and his wife, Deanie, serve as counselors or witnesses to couples at St John the Baptist and throughout the Diocese.
With the 2020 Sister Thea Bowman Award, St Columba parish is honored to recognize Deacon Thom McGowen's deep contributions to African American spiritual values and the development of a Bl ack Catholic presence and community within and beyond the Diocese of Oakland.
Congratulations, Deacon McGowen, and our deep appreciation for your commitment and support to our Black Catholic Community with your wise words and works for many decades.
The St Columba Ujima Award is offered to a community member who exemplifies the principles of 'collective work and responsibility', demonstrating significant leadership, character and service with deep commitment to building and maintaining community.
2020 Ujima Award Recipient
Reginald Simmons has developed a 26-year legacy of outstanding community service and change making as a member and leader of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, one of the 'Divine 9' historically Black fraternities.
Now on the Board of Directors of the Berkeley Alumni Chapter, he has helped build a significant community service legacy for the fraternity benefiting the African American community. A longtime member of Saint Benedict Church in Oakland, he puts his Black Catholic values into practice each day with his work with Kappa Alpha Psi.
As former Chapter Polemarch president of the chapter's philanthropic 501c3, and Board of Directors member, some of the projects he has helped spearhead and support include:
Expansion of Kappa Scholarship Program Mr. Simmons helped revitalize this project, growing the program from just one scholarship of $1000 per year to more than 15 scholarships awarded to young people of color every year.
Development of Mentor Programs Mr. Simmons supported the development of much needed mentor programs connecting dozens of fraternity brothers with underserved Black middle school students in Oakland, Hayward and Vallejo, working to support their road to higher education. (Many in the first class of mentees just went to college!) Mentors also provide workshops on key skills such as how to respond when stopped by law enforcement, managing a budget, savings, etc.
Support Annual Projects for Neighboring Communities From the Annual West Oakland Turkey drive where the fraternity gives out 1500 Thanksgiving Turkeys to the Christmas Toy Drive donating dozens of gifts to elementary school students in need, Mr. Simmons plays a key role in supporting outstanding works of service.
Organize Intensive Fundraising and Recruitment Efforts Community service projects take financing and person-power. As part ofhis leadership role, Mr. Simmons is deeply involved in annual projects to raise funds, boost membership and encourage participation, such as the Kappa Alpha Psi 2020 Black and White Ball, attracting over 450 guests and raising $15,000 for the Kappa scholarship program.
In addition to community service work, Mr. Simmons has more than 20 years of experience as a Research and Development Chemist working in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, with experience in formulations and analytical development; chemistry, manufacturing and controls; and medical device integration. He attended Texas A&M University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science, and Pepperdine University where he earned a Masters of Business Administration in Finance.
With the 2020 Ujima Award, St Columba parish is honored to recognize Reginald Simmons' outstanding community service and tireless commitment to organize others to do the same through the powerful strength and reach of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity's Alumni network.
Congratulations Mr.Simmons! We hold a deep appreciation for your incredible commitment to community service and support within our communities.
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