In preparation for the consecration of Joseph Howze as bishop of Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1977 -- the first Black Bishop to head a diocese -- Rivers said that it occurred to him that the National Office for Black Catholics (NOBC) should make a significant symbolic gift to both Bishop Howze and Bishop Harold Perry (who was ordained a bishop in 1966). He explained his idea to David Camele, a longtime friend and gifted artist, to superimpose Rivers' Black Spirit dove on a square cross in red, black and green enamel. Camele designed not only the crosses but boxes to house them, made symbolically of several African hardwoods and American black walnut. The ceremonial crosses were later presented to and worn by other Black bishops over the years including Wilton Gregory, the seventh Archbishop of Washington.