Arts & Entertainment

Story of America’s 1st Black priest coming to Tri-Cities. Where to watch

“Tolton: From Slave to Priest” is based on the life of Augustus Tolton, a pivotal figure in the Catholic Church who escaped slavery and defied racial prejudice to become a religious leader. Jim Coleman, known best for playing Roger Parker in Nickelodeon’s “My Brother and Me,” plays Father Tolton.
“Tolton: From Slave to Priest” is based on the life of Augustus Tolton, a pivotal figure in the Catholic Church who escaped slavery and defied racial prejudice to become a religious leader. Jim Coleman, known best for playing Roger Parker in Nickelodeon’s “My Brother and Me,” plays Father Tolton. Courtesy Saint Luke Productions

An acclaimed theatrical production telling the story of the country’s first Black priest is coming to the Tri-Cities area next month.

Tolton: From Slave to Priest” is based on the life of Augustus Tolton, a pivotal figure in the Catholic Church who escaped slavery and defied racial prejudice to become a religious leader.

“This powerful live theater production is filled with music, drama and A-list performances,” read an announcement from Battle Ground, Wash.-based Saint Luke Productions.

“With 250+ Tolton shows across the country, the production is helping more people learn about this unsung Black hero who bridge the divide of his time through peaceful words and courageous acts.”

The production stars actor Jim Coleman (My Brother and Me, Ant Man, The Quad) as Father Tolton.

Admission is free with a voluntary religious donation.

  • Richland Christ the King Catholic Church: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at 1111 Stevens Dr.
  • Pasco St. Patrick Catholic Church: 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at 1320 W. Henry Street.
  • Hermiston Our Lady of the Angel’s Catholic Church: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 565 West Hermiston Ave.
Eric Rosane
Tri-City Herald
Eric Rosane is the Tri-City Herald’s Civic Accountability Reporter focused on Education and Local Government. Before coming to the Herald in February 2022, he worked at the Daily Chronicle in Lewis County covering schools, floods, fish, dams and the Legislature. He graduated from Central Washington University in 2018.  Support my work with a digital subscription
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