Slavery Among Friends (and why it matters)

Workshop # 36
Betsy Cazden

Before 1775, many Friends held Africans in slavery. Through readings, small-group role-plays, and discussion, we will explore how that happened; how Friends came to see slave-owning as not consistent with Truth; and how their experience may inform our conversations about un-free labor, wealth, reparations, and global warming.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 35; Lecture 10; Discussion 30; Experiential 25
(PT)

Open to all

This workshop has a dual purpose: First, the leader will provide basic information about the lived experience of Quakers in colonial America who held Africans in a state of slavery. Second, we will use guided role plays and worship-sharing to experience and explore how that came about, what it felt like, how Friends’ understanding and behavior changed, and where there may be parallels in our contemporary experience. One underlying issue will be the role of the meeting in codifying and enforcing behavioral rules for its members. Depending on the interests of participants, those contemporary parallels could include un-free labor (such as sweatshops) in the global economy; dependence on fossil fuels; how to look for slave-holders in your own family tree or your local meeting’s history; and whether our history creates a moral obligation for reparations.

Each day will begin with 30-40 minutes of worship. After a brief presentation, we will divide into groups of four to six people. Using materials provided by the leader, the groups will role-play scenarios drawn from Friends’ experience. These role-plays can be as basic or as elaborately creative as the group and the Spirit may inspire. Hip-hop artists and those who hate or fear role-playing are equally welcome. We will then regather as a whole group to share and reflect on that scenario, closing with a briefer period of worship.

There is no required reading other than the background and scenarios provided for each day. A list of recommended readings is available at the leader’s website, betsycazden.com. Additional background material and links are available on the Fit for Freedom section of the FGC website, .