Slavery in Black and White Study Guide Documentary

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Instructions to facilitator: The running time of the documentary is 1:08 minutes so it is best to schedule a two hour block of time for the overall program. Begin with a welcome and introduction of the evening. Encourage viewers to write down questions or observations so they can be discussed and shared. Show the documentary. After the documentary, begin the discussion using the following questions. 1. Did you learn anything new or something that interests you about slavery? 2. Of the three quotes used to talk about the long-term effects of slavery, which one struck a nerve and why? 3. As African American pastors discussed the material effects of centuries of slavery, what were some of the specific connections they sought to make? What examples did they give? What would you add if you were interviewed? 4. What role does social justice work play in addressing the effects of slavery according to Dr. Kevin Cosby? 5. What insights did Rev. Joe Phelps and Rev. Erica Whitaker share about the important role white churches play in addressing the history of slavery and racism in America? 6. Rev. Whitaker said, we are not willing to go to the cross we have no right showing up at the tomb of resurrection. What does she mean and what connection is she making for white Christians? 7. Dr. Scott Williamson read a quote from Frederick Douglass where he said the greatest problem with America during the antebellum period was that they were too religious. What did Douglass mean by this? 8. Dr. Shannon Craigo-Snell mentioned a path for white Christians to take. What is that path and what would it look like for you to take it? 9. What do you think about The Angela Project and its vision for churches to help begin a new four hundred year trajectory in race relations? Is it achievable, why or why not? 10. What was your general impression of the documentary what did you think, what did you feel, do you believe small acts of generosity and social justice work can really make a difference in this history?