Black Heritage Trail Tea Talks: Things They Carried : An African Philosophy on War and Survival

"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the results of a hundred battles." — Sun Tzu

African societies have deep-rooted traditions of military strategy and guerrilla warfare, which were often used to defend against invaders or internal conflict. Enslaved Africans carried these traditions with them, applying their knowledge of strategy, resistance, and rebellion to resist oppression.

This panel will explore how African philosophies of war and cosmology helped enslaved Africans endure and cope with the trauma of enslavement. Panelists will discuss how these spiritual and communal frameworks fostered resilience, resistance, and hope, empowering the enslaved to recognize their internal strength and resist dehumanization.

Registration is required and space is limited. Attend in person or online. Register with the Black Heritage Trail at https://blackheritagetrailnh.org/elinor-williams-hooker-tea-talks-2025/

Presenters:
Edward Bruce Bynum, PhD, author The Black Origins of Mysticism and Psychology, Springfield, MA

Anthony Van Der Meer, Department: Africana Studies, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA 

Grant E. Stanton, Assistant Professor of History and Africana Studies, Drew University, NJ 

Moderator: 
Akeia des Barros Gomes, Director for the Center for Black History at the Newport Historical Society and an Adjunct Lecturer at the Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice at Brown University.