Knights of Peter Claver, << klah VEHR, >> is a fraternal society whose membership is predominantly African American, Roman Catholic men. The organization derives its name from Saint Peter Claver, a Spanish-born Catholic priest who served black slaves in the Caribbean region from 1616 to 1649. Claver also worked for the abolition of the slave trade.
Members of the Knights of Peter Claver participate in a variety of community projects. They sponsor workshops, fund-raisers, and educational and recreational activities. The society contributes funds to local, state, and national organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the National Council of Catholic Women, and the Urban League. The Knights of Peter Claver also awards college scholarships to needy students. Catholic children from the ages of 7 to 18 may join the Junior Daughters of Peter Claver or Junior Knights of Peter Claver, both of which are affiliated with the society. Adult women may participate in the Ladies’ Auxiliary.
The Knights of Peter Claver was founded in 1909 in Mobile, Alabama. At that time, African Americans were not allowed into white Catholic societies, such as the Knights of Columbus. The headquarters of the Knights of Peter Claver are in New Orleans.
