Redemptorists of North America "Racial Equity" Series: Part 2

The North American Redemptorists Committee for Racial Equity wrapped its Fall Series Tuesday, Nov. 14, with its second part of “American Prisons: Slavery by Another Name”. The first part of this series took place on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Both parts were preceded by Part 1: “Food Deserts & Hunger”, held in October.

Lively Zoom discussion from participants focused particularly on the PBS documentary “Slavery by Another Name”, and discussed the following three forms of slavery:

1. Neo-slavery – institutional slavery that continues to occur in present-day society;
2. Convict leasing – convicted criminals being leased by the state to private individuals/companies to work for free; and,
3. Peonage – a system where an employer compels a worker to pay off a debt without work.

The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 might have officially abolished slavery, but the three types above ensured the practice was still alive and thriving. Most common in the deep South, convict leasing came to fruition when prisons realized they could “hire” out prisoners. The prisons made money, the convicts, most of whom were black, did not.

Participants were unanimous in agreeing that, despite progress, change is still needed to truly abolish all forms of slavery. It was noted that black Americans only account for 2% of the nation’s wealth, and that our societal system continues to force blacks and other minorities to work significantly harder than their white counterparts. For-profit prisons and the bail structure were discussed, noting that until these are addressed, change will be a long time coming. Laws, education, policing – all need systemic reform.

The Racial Equity Series will regroup next year, potentially with a series in both the winter and spring. When details are finalized, they will be published here and on the Redemptorists website, where you can see the Fall program materials.