Veronica Dabney Receives 2021 Father Augustus Tolton and Mother Mary Lange Award
Veronica Dabney Honored with Father Augustus Tolton and Mother Mary Lange Award
Arlington, VA – Veronica Dabney, a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church in Arlington, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Father Augustus Tolton and Mother Mary Lange award for 2021. The announcement was made this month in celebration of Black History Month.
The “Tolton Award” is given to individuals who are actively involved in the Black Catholic community and are nominated by their peers. The recipient is then selected by a committee of ministry leaders.
Dabney was chosen for her unwavering commitment to her parish community and the broader Black community, both locally and internationally. She has held various leadership positions and has been actively involved in numerous parish outreach programs, including the Haiti Ministry, which focuses on sustainable community-based development.
One of Dabney’s most notable roles is as the chair of the parish’s “Ujamaa” Committee, which aims to support the culture and talents of Black Catholics, address the needs of African Americans, and promote multicultural participation within the parish. Under her leadership, the committee has raised over $300,000 in scholarship funds to support students in need.
In addition to her work within the parish, Dabney is also a dedicated member of VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement), a nonpartisan group comprised of over 40 faith communities that advocates for social justice and supports those in need.
Deacon Al Anderson of St. Joseph Church in Alexandria praised Dabney’s commitment to social justice, stating, “As Catholics, we have a rich heritage of promoting social justice. Through VOICE, Veronica puts that Catholic value into practice.”
Past recipients of the Father Augustus Tolton and Mother Mary Lange award include Jerry Cousin of Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville, Beverly Anderson of St. Joseph, Cecelia Braveboy of Our Lady, Queen of Peace, Emelda August of Holy Family Church in Dale City, and Phyllis Johnson of St. Joseph.
Wilson, the director of the diocesan Office of Multicultural Ministries, congratulated Dabney on her well-deserved recognition.