Since he became ordained as a Pastor, Father Neil experienced racial prejudice which would close some doors but he also used it to fight for change. Before making his way to Oakland, Father Neil had already paved himself a road as an activist. Being apart of congregations that would eventually close would become a blessing in disguise as he understood what had to be done to bridge certain shortcomings in the community. During his time in Chicago, he would commit to fighting against racial injustice and spent time in the south helping with voter education and registration as well as helping organize the Selma-Montgomery Civil Rights March. However, it wasn’t easy for Father Neil, he would become frustrated with a lot of barriers placed around moving racial and social issues forward. Moving to  St. Augustines would prove to be a new beginning with similar characteristics from before. Helping the Black Panther Party would prove beneficial for both parties as the success of some survival programs was due to the partnership created through  Father Neils’s experiences and foresight.