Simon of Cyrene

According to the Gospel of Mark (15:21-22), Matthew (27:32), and Luke (23:26) Simon of Cyrene was compelled by the Romans to carry the cross of Jesus Christ as Jesus was taken to his crucifixion.

Because his home town, Cyrene, is located in Africa, some believe he was the first Black saintly Christian. Tradition states his sons Rufus and Alexander became missionaries.