Personally Speaking examines the roles of slaves in the early abolition movement

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Exploring the origins of the American antislavery movement and black freedom struggle, UNC Charlotte historian Christopher Cameron argues that African American slaves’ rhetoric and tactics were central components of the abolitionist movement during the revolutionary era and profoundly impacted the 19th century effort.

On Tuesday, March 20, Cameron, author of “To Plead Our Own Cause: African Americans in Massachusetts and the Making of the Antislavery Movement,” will discuss his book as part of the Personally Speaking series.  

“To Plead Our Own Cause” explores the significant contributions of African American slaves in the Bay State to both local and nationwide antislavery activity. His research demonstrates that their efforts represent the beginning of organized abolitionist activity in America.

To Plead Our Own CauseCameron argues that Rev. William Barber II and the North Carolina “Moral Monday” movement he launched are part of the longstanding black prophetic tradition in which black intellectuals and political activists have used calls for spiritual renewal to critique injustices in American society. That tradition began, he contends, with black abolitionists in 18th century Massachusetts.

This Personally Speaking presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. at UNC Charlotte Center City. A reception and book signing will follow.

Personally Speaking is open to the public without charge, but registration is required. RSVP here. Information about complimentary parking at 422 E. 9th Street will be emailed to those who register.

An associate professor of history, Cameron is the founder and president of the African American Intellectual History Society. He has received fellowships from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the Peabody Essex Museum, Emory University, the U.S. Department of Education, the Massachusetts Historical Society and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The March 20 event is the final talk of the four-author 2017-18 Personally Speaking series in which faculty from UNC Charlotte’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences discuss books they have written. The 2018-19 series will be announced at this event.

Personally Speaking is co-sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, J. Murrey Atkins Library and UNC Charlotte Center City.