On February 19th, the PYM staff gathered in the Rufus Jones Room for a Meeting for Learning, focusing on the contributions of Black Quakers in honor of Black History Month. After an initial discussion, we broke into five small groups to learn about individual Black Quakers, exploring their lives and impact through collage and other art projects. These creative expressions highlighted their contributions to Quakerism and the world.
We learned about:
- Paul Cuffe (1759–1817) – A successful shipbuilder, merchant, and abolitionist, Cuffe advocated for the economic empowerment of free Black communities. He also worked to establish a colony for freed African Americans in Sierra Leone.
- Robert Purvis (1810–1898) – An abolitionist and activist, Purvis was deeply involved in the Underground Railroad, helping to free enslaved people and advocating for equal rights. He was a leader in the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society and fought for voting rights for Black men.
- Barrington Dunbar (1901–1978) – A philosopher and activist, Dunbar was committed to racial justice and pacifism. He was instrumental in integrating Quaker communities and worked to bridge divides between faith and social action.
- Vera Green (1928–1982) – A trailblazing anthropologist, Green focused on African American and Afro-Caribbean communities, examining race, culture, and identity. She was dedicated to fostering greater understanding and social equity.
- Mahala Dickerson (1912–2007) – A pioneering civil rights attorney, Dickerson was the first Black woman admitted to the bar in Alabama, later practicing law in Alaska. She championed cases for racial and gender equality, fighting against workplace discrimination.
Following this, Simone Small Gellizeau, Director of Programs & Religious Life, introduced a tradition from Ujima Friends Meeting, a ritual of remembrance that honors those who have passed. As we spoke each Quaker’s name, we poured water into a plant, symbolizing the nourishment their legacies continue to provide.
