Chicago Priest Honored for Civil Rights Work at Black History Month Celebration

Father Michael Pfleger, a white Catholic priest, was celebrated by a Black Baptist church for his decades of activism and community work.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 9:47pm

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On the first day of Black History Month, Father Michael Pfleger, a white Catholic priest known for his civil rights activism in Chicago, was honored at a special celebration at King of Kings Missionary Baptist Church in Lynwood. Church leaders praised Pfleger's commitment to the community and racial unity, and unveiled a sculpture created in his honor by the church's pastor.

Why it matters

Father Pfleger's recognition at a Black Baptist church during Black History Month highlights his longstanding role as an ally and advocate for the African American community in Chicago. His ability to transcend racial lines and build bridges across communities is seen as an important model of racial reconciliation.

The details

During the celebration, King of Kings Pastor Roy Yarber praised Pfleger's "commitment to community, his commitment to people, to love" and said "love has no color." Pfleger, who has preached at the Baptist church before, said he felt "uncomfortable" being honored as a white man but was nonetheless humbled. As part of the tribute, Yarber unveiled a sculpture he created of Pfleger to honor the priest's inspirational work.

  • The celebration took place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, the first day of Black History Month.

The players

Father Michael Pfleger

A white Catholic priest known for his civil rights activism and community work in Chicago's South Side neighborhoods.

King of Kings Missionary Baptist Church

A Black Baptist church in Lynwood, Illinois that hosted the celebration honoring Father Pfleger.

Pastor Roy Yarber

The pastor of King of Kings Missionary Baptist Church who created a sculpture of Father Pfleger to honor his inspirational work.

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What they’re saying

“Love has no color, love is our father, and what perfect timing to have him here (Pfleger) the one that stands on the ground and fights for decency and honor so whether he's a white man, red man, yellow man, he's the right man!”

— Pastor Roy Yarber, Pastor, King of Kings Missionary Baptist Church (fox32chicago.com)

“Black History Month and this is a white guy being honored, so it's very uncomfortable, but also it's a blessing to have folks say we appreciate what you do.”

— Father Michael Pfleger (fox32chicago.com)

The takeaway

Father Pfleger's recognition at a Black church during Black History Month underscores his ability to build bridges across racial lines and serve as an inspirational model of racial unity and community activism. His longstanding work in Chicago's African American neighborhoods has earned him respect and admiration from leaders like Pastor Yarber, who see Pfleger's commitment to social justice as transcending racial boundaries.