A series of ideas were proposed, including a new Black Catholic hymnal, an expanded liturgical program, and other possibilities.

The chapel was placed near the back of the basilica and was dedicated on August 30, 1997, before a crowd of onlookers during a Gospel Mass celebration.

[2] The main feature, a bronze Black Madonna and Child, was designed by Ed Dwight, and this figure is flanked by the four Gospel authors.

Nearby stands a Black Jesus crucifix carved from ebony wood and designed by Juvenal Kaliki and Jeffrey Brosk, above the chapel itself.

[4] Other sculptors involved in the chapel artwork include Giancarlo Biagi, Jill Burkee, and Jean Wiart.