The Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church of Tallahassee will be hosting a viewing of the documentary “Slavery by Another Name” July 18 at 12:30 p.m.
Dr. Patrick Mason, economics professor and the Director of African American Studies at Florida State University will be the keynote speaker. Slavery by Another Name is a documentary based off the book written by Douglas Blackmon.
The documentary questions the view that slavery ended with Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and tracks how new forms of forced labor were developed in the South, which kept African Americans in bondage until World War II.
Warren Brackmann, Chair of the UU justice committee, is excited to be a part of the event.
“I am excited to be associated with the screening of such an informative and important social justice film,” said Brackmann. “The fact that slavery mentality and methods continued far past Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and the ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865 is not as widely known or accepted by many citizens.”
Libby Watson, Co-Chair of the UU justice committee explained what the UU is about and what to expect from the documentary.
“One thing we really promote is social justice,” said Watson. “You can expect to learn something. I think the movie itself is very enlightening.”
She is also excited that Dr. Mason will be the guest speaker.
“I learned something both times I heard Dr. Mason speak, and I’m sure I will this time too."
Phillip Hardemon, an active member of the Miami African American community, feels like slavery still exists and is interested in watching the documentary.
“You have prisoners working for 30 cents making paper plates, plastic cups for little of nothing,” said Hardermon. “I’m ready to see this documentary.”
This event is the first time the church is opening their doors to the public.