Join us for a historical presentation, performance of antebellum Philadelphia Black music, and a blessing ceremony as we honor Byberry Township African American Burial Ground, established by Byberry Friends Meeting in 1780 as a resting place for free Blacks and people of color. Brent White, Assistant Professor and Director of the Jazz Orchestra at Drexel University, will lead an ensemble performing the music of noted early 19th-century Black composer and bandleader Francis Johnson.
Activism
This Monstrous Law! Robert and Harriet Purvis and the Fugitive Slave Act
he Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and Millicent Sparks Productions invite the public to witness a performance that portrays three legendary Philadelphians from the city’s rich 19th-century Black history.
This Monstrous Law! Robert and Harriet Purvis and the Fugitive Slave Act is a recreation of a historic protest of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law, which compelled everyday citizens to assist in capturing enslaved people seeking their freedom. Living history performers portray abolitionists Robert Purvis and Harriet Forten Purvis, who boldly responded to the inhumane law by rallying local citizens to defy it. A portrayal of celebrated concert singer Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, “The Black Swan,” lends melodic power to the production.
Film Screening: Becoming Benjamin Lay
Becoming Benjamin Lay explores the making of the stage play about Benjamin’s life, written by Marcus Rediker and Naomi Wallace–and actor Mark Povinelli who brought Benjamin, to life on stage.
This film is appropriate for all ages, the screening is free and open to all. Free-will donation to Abington Meeting at the door is greatly appreciated.
Robert Best and Sharing Messages Through Signs
Robert Best, an attender of Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting can be found in Center City Philadelphia, near the plaza across from the Clothespin sculpture every Wednesday between 12:00 and 1:30. Robert stands there with a tall pole and a set of signs. [Read more…] about Robert Best and Sharing Messages Through Signs
Third Tuesdays: Protect, Resist and Build with AFSC
Monthly webinar series that brings together AFSC constituents to learn about how to protect, resist, and build just peace, just migration, and just economies.
Third Tuesday of every month at 8pm ET/ 7pm CT/ 5pm PT.
If you are registering from outside the US please use the zip code 19102.
Love as Action: Philadelphia
Love as Action:
Stop War on Venezuela/Resist Authoritarianism
Bearing Witness, Building Hope
Quaker public witness has stood in opposition to cruel and authoritarian actions in our country before. It is time for us to show this love in action again.
Please join the American Friends Service Committee and Philadelphia area Friends to bear witness and show resistance to our country’s militaristic, authoritarian actions.
On Saturday, January 17 at 2:00 p.m., Friends, members of other faith communities and people of conscience will gather for one hour of silent public witness at the south facing entrance of Philadelphia City Hall (at Broad Street).
Our hope is that our presence will give hope to all who see us – to show that we can choose resistance – and remind everyone of our moral obligations to one another.
Our intent is to gather monthly in communities across the country, showing our communities love in action as a public witness of our Quaker values in a time of rising fascism.
Join us!
To find our more about Love as Action nationally and get more resources visit us at afsc.org/love-action
PYM Connect Launches Addressing Climate Change Channel
The yearly meeting-wide witness on climate change began when Friends with care for the environment asked that all of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting be part of this concern. In March 2021, PYM agreed to carry climate change as a shared witness. This past weekend, PYM Connect launched a new channel that helps PYM Friends stay connected, share ideas, and support each other to continue this work in Addressing Climate Change.
JOIN PYM CONNECT!
[Read more…] about PYM Connect Launches Addressing Climate Change Channel
Join PYM Connect Today!
PYM Connect is a space for Friends to come together, exchange ideas, and support one another. Join now and be part of a growing community where ministries in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting take shape and meetings collaborate. While the platform is still developing, it’s available now because the need is real. If something isn’t working as expected, kindness and feedback will help make it better for everyone. [Read more…] about Join PYM Connect Today!
Opportunities Following the PYM Lawsuit
PYM meetings can support the lawsuit in a variety of ways. This suit is a single step in a march toward seeking justice in the current state in our country.
While the need for the lawsuit—and for many other suits—may be daunting and depressing, the opportunity it brings for practicing our faith is energizing. There are five sections below, each offering a starting point for meetings to think about their next steps.
The primary motion to keep in the forefront, regardless of the focus or activity, is being obedient to the Spirit, faithful in strengthening our community, and effective in supporting our neighbors.
PYM’s Response to the Political Reality
This week has brought many changes our country, including ones that are out of alignment with Friends testimonies and the way we walk in the world. The PYM community and governance are actively listening and responding.
[Read more…] about PYM’s Response to the Political Reality
