Grail Member:

Frances Frazier

Name 2 things that your Grail sisters may not know about you.

I spent a year of exploration with the Sisters of Charity Convent Station, New Jersey. Because there were very very few African American young women in their organization, they sent me to the very first National Black Sisters Conference held at Notre Dame University.

It was absolutely amazing to meet such dynamic Black women in religious life.

What do you think is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today?

Racism. This insidious system infiltrates every other system that should be designed to help, support and nourish our world

Which Grail sister would you like to know more about?

I would love to hear more about the journeys of our foremothers who came to this country to establish the Grail and to learn more about the rituals they created to celebrate the ministry to women.

What are you doing as your Grail mission focus or work?

The work I have been blessed to give is facilitating a process of spiritual discovery for African American women and girls to find that Holy place in them that leads them to recognize their connection with God, to the Grail in them.

Name 2 of your favorite things.

Two favorite things: walks in nature and being still by water watching the sun set.

About Fran

Fran’s area of expertise is her ability to present creative and insightful approaches to issues of high sensitivity.  Her work in the area of cultural competency in the workplace, cultural competency training and the creation of culturally specific programs in the Social Services field earned her the YWCA “Woman of Achievement Award” in Racial Justice. She is an inspiring   and proven facilitator, consultant and trainer with over 25 years of experience.

Specializing in issues related to structural racism, racial and economic equity Fran Frazier is a Senior Associate for Everyday Democracy, a national organization that works to strengthen democracy by making authentic engagement and public participation a permanent part of the way we work as a country. This Dialogue to Change process leads from personal connection to sustained action.  She has been with Everyday Democracy for over 18 years. 

When Frances Curtis Frazier served as the Administrator for Cultural Initiatives for the Department of Human Services/Department of Job and Family Services she initiated several state-wide programs and regulatory procedures to support the cultural competency of child welfare and public welfare county agencies to provide services specific to the needs of African American, Latino, Appalachian and Native American children and their families. 

Using the resources and dialogue process of Everyday Democracy, Fran served for several years as a consultant and provided technical assistance to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to address racial inequity in their service provision to people of color, specifically African Americans who are suffering from mental illness.  Actions from the dialogues and recommended action steps have shaped improved state policies and procedures for both mental health institutions and clients of mental health services.

Fran Frazier is the Principal Investigator of a research study “Rise, Sister Rise”.  The research focused on trauma and resiliency in 411 African American girls in four Ohio cities; Akron, Columbus, Dayton and Lima.  Ms. Frazier partnered with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Mental Health America of Summit County.  This groundbreaking research is an influential factor in programs and policies addressing trauma and the mental health needs of African American girls in Ohio.  Ms. Frazier now consults with national and state-wide organizations on culturally competent approaches and trauma-informed services to address the needs of African American girls.

Frances Curtis Frazier serves as a Consultant to numerous universities, colleges, professional associations, school districts, and non-profit agencies across Ohio and the nation.  Ms. Frazier has received many awards and commendations for her work and vision. She was recently inducted into the National History Makers. Her story and lifetime achievements are now included in the Library of Congress.

A native of Philadelphia, Pa., she holds a B.S. cum laude in Special Education from Norfolk State University and a M.A. Degree in Learning Disabilities and Behavioral Disorders from The Ohio State University.  

Fran is a Woman of Power!

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The Grail in the US is a movement where all members are encouraged to advance our shared vision in the manner that best befits their interests, abilities and the needs of their community. We are individual threads that together weave a tapestry.