A screening of the documentary 2012 “Slavery by Another Name” was the catalyst for a community discussion on racism July 21 at Salem Heights.
More than 30 Dayton-area residents joined about a dozen Precious Blood Sisters to view the documentary and discuss how the issue is relevant today. The documentary details how African-Americans continued to be bound in slavery in the Deep South following the Emancipation Proclamation through such means as convict labor.
The event was sponsored by the Sisters of the Precious Blood and Weavers of Justice, a collaborative of parishes and Catholic organizations to address social justice issues in Dayton. The collaborative has made racism and anti-discrimination in the community one of its areas of focus this year. Other screenings and similar conversations on racism will occur through the region.
“I think people left with a renewed sense of developing good relations and taking some action on the issue of racism,” said Pam Long, regional director of the Catholic Social Action Office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
“For many people in the audience who are Caucasian this was a new bit of history that they weren’t aware of. For others who are African-American this was a history that their families lived.”
Story and photo by Dave Eck
Attendees view the 2012 documentary “Slavery by Another Name” in Grace Hall at Salem Heights.