News Summary
This weekend, the First Unitarian Church of Providence will address its historical connections to slavery with a significant new book release and exhibit. The book, ‘A Church in a Triangle: Race, Religion and Power,’ examines the church’s complex past and its benefits derived from slavery. Events include a book launch, an exhibit unveiling, and a panel discussion aimed at fostering discussions on anti-racism and acknowledging painful truths of history.
Providence – This weekend, the First Unitarian Church of Providence will host a series of events aimed at confronting its historical ties to slavery through the release of a significant new book and accompanying exhibit. The book, titled “A Church in a Triangle: Race, Religion and Power,” penned by authors Peter Laarman and Traci Piacard, reveals the church’s complex past and its long-standing benefits derived from slavery.
The book release event is scheduled for Friday night at 6 p.m., and will be complemented by an exhibit entitled “Owning Our History,” displayed at the church’s Parish House. A panel discussion named “No Turning Back” will follow on Saturday from 1-5 p.m. featuring a variety of scholars and activists who will delve into the significant past of the church and its implications for the present. Additionally, a dedicated worship service is planned for Sunday at the church’s meeting house.
This initiative is part of the church’s broader commitment to anti-racism, which has been emphasized by Laarman, who highlights the critical nature of acknowledging and owning the church’s historical narrative. The church recognizes that much of its first 150 years involved benefiting from chattel slavery, specifically through the involvement of early members whose fortunes were intertwined with the Triangular Trade, a network where Rhode Island ships transported rum to Africa in exchange for enslaved individuals.
The journey towards this inquiry into the church’s past was initiated during the church’s 300th anniversary celebrations in 2020, as conversations around racism and suppressed historical narratives came to the forefront. The Rev. Elizabeth Lerner Maclay, senior minister of the church, underscored the importance of acknowledging painful truths to pave a path forward. The church seeks to not only recognize its past but also to forge deeper connections with congregations of color, advocating for honesty regarding its history.
Interestingly, the book unveils the church’s ties to anti-abolitionist sentiments prominent in Providence during the 1830s and 1840s, showcasing how many church families aligned with Southern business interests and defended the institution of slavery itself. Among the personal stories highlighted is that of Anna Bowen, an enslaved person owned by a church member, whose gravestone serves as a poignant reminder of the church’s heartbreaking legacy.
The church aims that these efforts inspire other organizations to acknowledge and confront their own complex histories. In an increasingly challenging political climate, marked by attempts to downplay race issues and control historical narratives, the church’s initiative stands out as a critical undertaking. By recounting this troubled past, the events this weekend aspire to lead both the church community and the wider public toward meaningful actions and commitments toward a more equitable future.
The release of “A Church in a Triangle: Race, Religion and Power” along with the accompanying events serve as an important reminder of the significance of confronting historical injustices. The First Unitarian Church of Providence is taking a courageous step by addressing its complex lineage with hopes that these discussions foster understanding and healing within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
First Unitarian Church Addresses Historical Involvement in Slavery
Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: RI Church Confronts History of Slavery
- Providence Journal: R.I.’s Historian Laureate Explains Name
- ABC News: Providence Establishes Reparations Program
- Smithsonian Magazine: Uncovering Snowtown
- Brown Daily Herald: Womxn Project
- Wikipedia: Slavery in the United States
- Google Search: Providence slavery history
- Google Scholar: Providence church slavery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Anti-Abolitionism
- Google News: Providence anti-racism
