More than 40 women who participate in the parish’s weekly dance group at St. Benedict the African Parish in Chicago celebrated the Chicago Bears and their playoff run with a “jersey night” at its women’s Soul Line Dance group gathering on Jan. 13, 2026. The dance group began over a year ago as a weekly gathering with about five women and has blossomed into a welcoming, intergenerational community of nearly 60 women – from ages 10 to 76 – who gather each Tuesday. The women come from across the city and suburbs and most are not parishioners but have found a sense of belonging and companionship within the parish community. For some, the group has become a bridge to attending Mass or parish events for the first time. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Madaline Haywood, also known as First Lady Maddy B's Soul Line Dance Xperience, leads the group in steps on a dance. More than 40 women who participate in the parish’s weekly dance group at St. Benedict the African Parish in Chicago celebrated the Chicago Bears and their playoff run with a “jersey night” at its women’s Soul Line Dance group gathering on Jan. 13, 2026. The dance group began over a year ago as a weekly gathering with about five women and has blossomed into a welcoming, intergenerational community of nearly 60 women – from ages 10 to 76 – who gather each Tuesday. The women come from across the city and suburbs and most are not parishioners but have found a sense of belonging and companionship within the parish community. For some, the group has become a bridge to attending Mass or parish events for the first time. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Dinah Stricklin dances with other members of the group. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Wearing Bears gear extended to the women's feet. (Karen Callway/Chicago Catholic)
Kim Towers smiles while dancing with the group. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
April Norman tries her moves out on the dance floor. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The women use fans to stay cool during their dancing. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Haywood leads the dancing. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The women fill the parish gym for class. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The women form a conga line while dancing around the gym at the end of their lesson. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Nanette Hannah, organizer of the group, carries a Chicago Bears blanket around the gym to fire up the ladies for the evening. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
