Visiting professor of Africana studies says mentality of slavery is ‘inherent in humanity’

The speakers reflected on the legacy of slavery at the University and the center’s role in promoting justice

The U. of Pittsburgh professor underscored the Amistad Rebellion as crucial in understanding the history of slavery

The Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice kicked off its spring event series­ — “Ships of Bondage, Freedom and the Knowledges of the Enslaved” — Wednesday with a screening of the documentary “Traces of the Trade.”

Since its creation this fall, the Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice has planned multiple outreach events to begin in the spring. But the center, established to further the study of the transatlantic slave trade, is still developing a mission to guide it past its inaugural year. 

Sons of Providence author Charles Rappleye will discuss what he learned while writing the book, how it changed his thinking about Brown and early New England, and what it means to be an American, then and now.

The John Hay Library presents "Rhode Island Slavery and the University," an exhibition in support of the First Readings 2012 program for the Class of 2016, which focuses on Charles Rappleye's Sons of Providence.

Due to the threat of heavy rain and lightning, Brown University's 249th Opening Convocation met in the Pizzitola Sports Center at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012.

First-year students learned about the University’s connection to the slave trade in this year’s summer reading choice, “Sons of Providence: The Brown Brothers, the Slave Trade and the American Revolution.” The selection came in concurrence with the appointment of Anthony Bogues, professor of Africana studies, as the inaugural director for the Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice in May.

Each year, on the Monday before Convocation, incoming freshmen gather with Brown faculty and administration in classrooms throughout campus to engage in “First Readings” seminars, a discussion centered around Brown’s summer reading project for incoming students.

B. Anthony Bogues, the Harmon Family Professor of Africana Studies at BrownUniversity, has been named inaugural director of the University's Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice.

The Fund for the Education of the Children of Providence is making grants totaling $50,237 to four Providence schools to enhance literacy learning, promote nonviolence, and purchase performing arts supplies and computers.

At its February meeting, the Corporation of Brown University selected acclaimed American artist Martin Puryear to create a slavery memorial on the University campus.