Town Hall Meeting

 Hello all. My name is Susan B. Anthony. Many people know me as an icon in the women's suffrage movement, but there is much more to me than that. I am a women's rights activist, abolitionist, and suffragist. 

Believe it or not, my work helped create the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. Thanks to my hard work and many other factors, women now have the right to vote.

My role in the anti-slavery movement stems from the Quaker belief in equality under God and my knowledge of slavery as a young girl. My dad owned a cotton factory, and one day, I overheard him saying that he tried to avoid purchasing cotton raised by enslaved labor. This stuck with me and stayed with me throughout my lifetime. This foundation led me to join the Society of Friends, aka the Quakers, right after my 13th birthday. 

By 1845, my family's farmhouse became a meeting spot for abolitionists, including Fredrick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. 

Furthermore, by 1856, I had become an agent for the American Anti-Slavery Society; I arranged meetings, posted flyers, made various speeches, and even encountered hostile mobs and armed threats, and had my image dragged through the streets due to my belief in the abolishment of slavery.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, and I formed "The Women's Loyal National League" to press for a constitutional amendment to abolish slavery.

Although I have lobbied for the abolition of slavery and the rights of enslaved African Americans, I often adopt the racist positions used by many other white women currently to support my goal of women's suffrage. I focused solely on white women suffragists and did not include any women suffragists of color.

Although I do not mention enslaved women of color in my women's suffragist movement often, I never waiver in my opposition to slavery. I see the fight for women's rights and the abolition of slavery as intertwined struggles for human equality. 

In 1859, I presented a speech called "Make the Slave's Case Our Own." I want to take a moment to highlight some of the things that I mentioned that I believe will leave you with something to think about:

Let us, my friends, make the enslaved person's case our own for the passing hour. As much as in us lies, let us feel that is ourselves," "Let us feel that it is our own children, that are ruthlessly torn from our yearning mother hearts, and driven into the coffle gang, through burning suns, and drenching rains, to be sold on the auction block to the highest bidder," 

As a society, would it be that hard to make the enslaved person our neighbor? 

Luke 6:31 says, "Do to others as you would have them do to you."

It is said that all of the blame for slavery should be placed upon the South, but we, the North, have made an agreement with them to capture any runaway slaves. We are currently dancing with the devil but we're quick to quote God and the bible. The South and the North are both to blame at this moment. We must take accountability for the role we play in slavery. 

The numbers regarding slavery have gone from half a million to nearly 4 million. As a country that we all could once proudly claim and represent, we should be ashamed of ourselves. We must now put our heads down in embarrassment and shame at the slightest mention of our country.

If the roles were reversed, do you think it would be easier for us to abolish slavery? If we magically changed skin tones and the enslaved person's fate became ours, then there would be no need to continue with this debate or the need for rhetorical questions.

Slavery in the Bible

 All the Religions, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, have something in common. At some point in time, all three of these religions have condoned slavery. First, we start with Christianity and how slavery is viewed. After that, we discuss Judaism and how it is pro-slavery. Then, finally, we end with Islam and then the conclusion. These Three Religions all come together towards the end to make a great community, but they went through slavery in their own way, which will be covered throughout each paragraph.

Christianity was an essential religion with deeply religious people who condoned the violent enslavement and mistreatment of fellow human beings, fellow children of God. The Bible was misused to justify slavery by owners and white Southerners, according to an Article written by “The Harvard Gazette”, slaveholders claimed the Bible contained examples of slavery and preached obedience from the 1st century until the Civil War. Most claimed that since the Bible mentioned slavery and that the stories throughout the Bible were examples of slavery, it was acceptable. Stories such as The Story of Philemon, the runaway slave that St. Paul returned to his master or the "Curse of Ham,” were often quoted to explain this awful act. As stated on this site, Scripture, Ephesians 6:5 states, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.” This scripture argues that slavery was a divinely ordained establishment and that enslaved people were morally obligated to obey their masters as part of Christian duty. They interpreted the verse, emphasizing obedience, respect, and submission as goodness expected of enslaved people, claiming that these attitudes were equivalent to those expected of all Christians toward their earthly rules. Another concept that was used to condone slavery was that the Bible's original language was Latin. The Latin word "servus," translated as servant, means "slave.” The relationship between Christianity and slavery was not an easy one. Based on this blurb Fredrick Douglas explains it as: “Between the Christianity of this land and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference." 

However, enslavers had their reasoning for how the Bible led them to their actions. Enslaved people had their reasons for why they, as people, shouldn't have been treated this way. Enslaved people used the Bible to oppose slavery by referring to stories where people of God were freed from slavery. Enslaved people found comfort and hope in the Bible that one day they would be freed as well. Enslaved people turned to specific scriptures in the Bible to justify their desire for freedom, themes of liberation, equality, and justice that were central to their Christian faith. OpenBible.Info states that Proverbs 22:16 tells us, “Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.” This verse doesn't specifically talk about slavery but speaks on injustice and the consequences of manipulating the poor for your riches, which is a version of what Slaveholders were doing to enslaved people. Another piece of text in the Bible that gave enslaved people a sense of hope was Exodus 8:1. "Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and say to him, `This is what the LORD says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me." This scripture serves as a powerful declaration of God's will for the enslaved to be set free. The line "Let my people go" became a strong cry for freedom and resistance among enslaved people. Many scriptures and stories promised enslaved people freedom from "Hell on Earth."  

While enslavers and their supporters often misused scripture to justify the enslavement and mistreatment of African Americans, claiming that the Bible allowed such practices and demanded obedience from enslaved people, enslaved people found in the exact religious text a powerful source of hope, resilience, and resistance. If slaveholders had practiced Christianity properly and not condoned slavery as justified in the Bible, would the act of slavery have turned out differently? It seems we'll never find out.

In Judaism, slavery was viewed differently than in other religions. As mentioned in this article, A Hebrew could not become enslaved unless by order of the court or by giving himself voluntarily into bondage. A debtor who is unable to pay his debts may give himself to his creditor. (Lev 25:39-40)  But, if the enslaved person is a Hebrew, they must serve only six years and be freed in the seventh year. For men, it is cut and dry; if you cannot pay your debt, you can work it off. 

But, for women, it is a different ballpark. According to this article, the only way a woman can be sold into slavery is by her father. A father may sell his daughter into slavery, usually for household duties and eventful marriage. Enslaved women can be set free if their master’s sons deny them their matrimonial rights.

In Judaism, a Hebrew enslaved person has it much easier than any other enslaved individual. 

Prisoners of war could be and were taken into bondage, but it has been contended that no prisoners were ever taken into private slavery. And a thief who cannot make restitution is “sold for his theft.”

Although no prisoners of war were taken into private slavery, along with aliens, both groups were forced to serve in perpetuity. (Lev 25:44-46)  

In many places, the act of slavery is frowned upon, but in the Hebrew Bible, it is highly mentioned, and in some way, it is made to protect the enslaved people who were captured and taken into slavery. 

As stated in (Exod 21:26-7) a master who knocks out a slave’s eye or tooth must let him go free. 

So, while there is a negative stigma surrounding slavery, it seems as if the Hebrew bible is slightly encouraging the act of slavery. Hebrews also viewed slavery as a contract between people, so there is no negative outlook on slavery in Judaism.

The religion of Islam has had a complicated relationship with slavery throughout its history as they are discussed in this book by Jonathan A.C Brown. In the early Islamic period, the Quran and Hadiths which are essential texts in Islam, including passages that were interpreted to allow slavery. This means that, at that time, owning slaves was a common practice, and it was accepted in society. However, it is essential to note that these texts also emphasize the humane treatment of enslaved people. They encourage believers to treat enslaved people well and highlight the importance of freeing them. In fact, freeing an enslaved person was often seen as a good deed and a way to atone for a certain sense. This act of liberation was considered an essential aspect of religious righteousness.

    As time passed and society evolved, so did the views on slavery within Islam. The values of human rights and dignity became more prominent, leading many to reconsider the acceptability of slavery. Today, most Muslim scholars and leaders strongly disapprove of slavery, arguing that it contradicts the core principles of justice and equality that Islam promotes. This change in perspective is significant and reflects a broader trend, as well as how religious teachings are interpreted in light of modern ethical standards.

    The historical context of these changes is crucial for understanding the complex relationship Islam has had with slavery over the centuries. Initially, like many other religions, Islam accepted slavery as a part of life. However, as society's views on human rights shifted, so did the interpretations of Islamic text. Many scholars began to argue that the fundamental teachings of Islam, which advocate for justice, compassion, and equality are incompatible institutions of slavery. This shift has led to a Greater emphasis on the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their status.

    It is also worth noting that different cultures in societies within the Islamic world would have interpreted these texts in various ways. In some regions, practices associated with slavery persisted longer than others, showcasing the diversity of thought within the Muslim Community. This variation further complicates the narrative surrounding Islam and slavery, as it shows the relationship is not uniform but somewhat influenced by local customs and societal norms.

    This book "Slavery and Islam" highlights the evolution of attitudes toward slavery, and Islam is part of a larger conversation about how religions adapt to changing moral landscapes. Just as Christianity and Judaism have experienced shifts in their teachings regarding slavery, Islam has also navigated these changes. This process of reevaluation is ongoing, and many modern Muslims are actively engaged in discussions about how to reconcile their faith with contemporary human rights standards.

The relationship between Islam and slavery is complex. It has evolved significantly over time. While early Islamic texts allowed slavery, they also emphasized the humane treatment of enslaved people and encouraged their emancipation. Today, the overwhelming consensus of Muslim leaders is that slavery is incompatible with the values of justice and equality that are central to Islam. 

    As society continues to advocate for human rights, the Islamic perspective on slavery has helped us reflect on a broader trend of religious interpretations evolving to align with modern ethical standards. This journey illustrates not only the historical context of slavery in Islam but also the ongoing commitment of many Muslims to uphold the principles of dignity and justice for all people.

In the end, all three Religions have similarities, and each Religion has its way of handling slavery, and each Religion has processed slavery and used it in its own way. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are great religions in the end that share a common ground in ending slavery later in the years. In the end, slavery was a system that each Religion got through, and the citizens who supported each religion worked together to put an end to slavery.

Written By: Alysha Brown, Maliyah Cox, and Morgan Rosser

The United States Supreme Court

                                                            According to these videos, there are nine Supreme Court justices. 

It is a position that requires work since it is the most potent judicial branch on earth! 

The president nominates these Supreme Court justices, and a majority vote in the Senate confirms them. 

There have only been just over a hundred justices in the history of judges. They serve an average of 16 years each, and it takes them about 3 to 5 years to adjust to their new roles in the new environment. 

The Supreme Court is different from any other branch of government because it receives thousands of letters per year. On average, they receive about seven thousand letters per year, ranging from prisoners who believe they were wrongfully convicted to presidents who want the Supreme Court to appeal the decisions of the lower branches.

Although they receive so many letters each year, they only accept about 100 petitions per year every week.

Justices are sent cases weekly, and each justice gets to work on their cases. After finishing their cases, they meet weekly and participate in a meeting.

Before each meeting, they respectfully greet and acknowledge each other’s presence as a sign of respect. Getting into the discussion part of the meeting, each justice explains their cases to the others, and after everyone has spoken, they decide which cases they will take up and decide on as a group. 

One significant difference in the courtroom is that lawyers only get 30 minutes to speak, whereas, in a regular courtroom, lawyers get multiple chances to discuss their cases. 

After the lawyers argue their side of the case, the Justices privately meet and decide on the matter—nobody but the nine justices.

 This process can go on for weeks or even months because all Supreme Court cases need at least 60 days to decide on a case. No one knows when a Supreme Court case will be settled because there is no set timeline for when the cases will be done. Usually, most cases will be decided on by the beginning of the summer recess at the end of June.

Once a decision is made on a case, one justice who voted on the majority side is appointed to write an opinion and deliver it to the public. The justice appointed to write the opinion will then write an argument that the majority agrees with thoroughly. These opinions can have numerous rough drafts, usually around 40 pages. 

After the opinion is finalized and everyone has agreed to the terms, the claims are released to the press.