• Episode 33: Good Christian Slaveholders-The Religion of the Oppressed

  • Apr 4 2021
  • Length: 15 mins
  • Podcast

Episode 33: Good Christian Slaveholders-The Religion of the Oppressed

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  • Summary

  • In this episode we discuss holidays in the lives of those enslaved. Because slaveholders wanted to be thought of as “Good Christians” even though the two titles cannot exist together, they allowed certain holidays to be celebrated throughout the year, namly Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Frederick Douglas wrote, "I believe these holidays to be among the most effective means, in the hands of slaveholders, of keeping down the spirit of insurrection among the slaves….” identifying that holiday respites were permitted to control the enslaved and avoid uprisings rather than being genuine gestures. Also, celebration and time off were not guaranteed. If the crop was behind schedule, no time or only a few hours may be granted to those enslaved. Slaveholders often used Christmas and Easter as a day to “gift” the enslaved with their yearly allotment of clothing, special food items, household items, or cash. More lenient slaveholders may provide up to a week off to the enslaved. This time allowed them to visit relatives who had been sold, marry, make repairs to their accommodations, give gifts to each other, and fellowship together. These holidays were also opportunities for the enslaved. Escape plans were often planned during holidays when slaveholders may be away for holiday travels which allowed for a healthy head start. Harriett Tuban even carried out her brother's escape at Christmas. Easter was a day when the enslaved could dress in their finest clothes to attend religious services which fulfilled slaveholders' demands that the enslaved practice Christianity. To this day African Americans donning their finest clothes for Easter Sunday church service was born from this tradition. Questions to Consider: 1. How could slaveholders consider themselves christians yet enslave human beings? 2. What religion, or religions, would exist within the African American community if the enslaved were not forced to practice Christianity? 3. How must it have felt to practice the same religion as your oppressor? 4. What resonates most with you? 5. Who else will you share this with?` Resources from this Episode Christmas at Redcliffe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAzxL11X2k0 Readings From Slave Narratives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2oqbab4VzQ You can connect with Queen LaLa and The Palenque Podcast through multiple social media outlets. Website: ThePalenque.com Twitter: @The_Palenque Facebook: @ThePalenque Instagram: @ThePalenquePodcast Apple Podcasts: The Palenque Podcast Soundcloud: The Palenque Spotify: The Palenque Podcast Stitcher: The Palenque Podcast Email: ThePalenqueInfo@gmail.com We’d love to connect with you Palenqueros. Share this podcast with your followers. The Palenque: Where Voices For Change Gather!
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