In a world often divided by race and history, the path to healing lies in understanding that, at our core, we are all one Spirit. The upcoming event hosted by Spiritual Life Center on September 14th, 2024, featuring the documentary Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North and led by Dain and Constance Perry, offers a profound opportunity to engage in the spiritual and historical reckoning of America's dark legacy of slavery. This event is not just a conversation about history—it’s a call to action, a moment to acknowledge our shared humanity and a step toward reconciliation.
The Spiritual Significance: We Are All One Spirit
The work of Dain and Constance Perry exemplifies the belief that the human spirit is interconnected, transcending the divisions of race, background, or ancestry. Their marriage, which brings together a descendant of one of the most prominent slave-trading families and a descendant of enslaved people, is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of unity and forgiveness. As Constance Perry reflects, "we were brought together to do exactly what we’re doing," reminding us that even the most painful aspects of our history can be pathways to healing when approached with faith and courage.
The spiritual underpinnings of this event lie in recognizing that we are all children of the same Spirit. Whether you are descended from those who suffered the injustices of slavery or from those who perpetuated it, the invitation is to engage in a collective journey toward understanding, truth, and, ultimately, healing.
This is not only a social responsibility but a spiritual one, grounded in the belief that we cannot be whole as individuals until we confront and reconcile with the collective wounds of our past.
A Transformative Experience: Reflect, Discuss, Act
The event will begin with a screening of Traces of the Trade. This documentary follows Katrina Browne, Dain Perry, and other descendants of the DeWolf family as they uncover the horrifying truths of their ancestor’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
This film serves as a powerful lens through which we can all examine our histories and reflect on the generational impact of slavery and white privilege. Following the screening, Dain and Constance Perry will facilitate a discussion, offering participants a safe space to unpack the complex emotions and thoughts stirred by the documentary.
The afternoon workshop, Unpacking Your Invisible Knapsack, draws on Peggy McIntosh’s seminal work urging participants to reflect on their unseen advantages. More than just an academic discussion, this workshop invites deep introspection on the privileges that continue to shape our society today. The Perrys’ approach to these conversations is grounded in faith, humility, and a commitment to creating spaces where genuine reconciliation can occur.
Faith as a Foundation for Healing
Throughout their work, the Perrys have emphasized the role of faith in their mission. As active members of the Episcopal Church, they bring a unique perspective that intertwines social justice with spiritual reflection. The foundation of their work is rooted in the belief that, "we cannot heal as a nation until we truly understand the history of how African Americans have been impacted over the years," as Dain Perry stated during a recent seminar at Harvard Divinity School. This event is an opportunity to deepen that understanding and begin the challenging spiritual and social healing work.
For Constance Perry, faith has been a driving force in her work toward racial justice, particularly as a Diocese of Massachusetts Racial Justice Commission member. Her advocacy for reparations within the Episcopal Church reminds us that faith communities have a powerful role to play in righting the wrongs of the past. The spiritual act of reckoning with history is as much about justice as it is about mercy, and this event offers a space to explore both.
A Call to Action: Join Us on This Journey
The journey toward healing requires us to engage in uncomfortable conversations, confront painful truths, and take steps toward meaningful change. This event is a chance to take those first steps. Whether deeply invested in social justice or simply seeking to understand our shared history, this event will provide the tools, space, and community needed to engage in this critical work.
Join us for this transformative experience on Saturday, September 14th, at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento. You can register at this link.
Let us unite in love, understanding, and unity, acknowledging our shared past and working together toward a more just and reconciled future.
Peace and Blessings,
James
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