The Legacy of Slavery

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On February 20, 2021, Kharinne Shinaul and the Women of Acceptance presented its 12th seminar, “The Legacy of Slavery,” at Southeast SDA. This thought-provoking live event provided “an in-depth look at the subtle, trickled down and continued effects of the generational and institutionalized enslavement of Black People,” a harsh by-product of the Willie Lynch effect.”

Kharinne Shinaul, Women of Acceptance founder and leader, served as moderator and opened with an overview of the infamous Willie Lynch Letter. The British slaveowner who resided in the West Indies, was invited to the colony of Virginia to teach his method for controlling slaves. He read the highlights of his methods on the bank of the James River, which included using fear, distrust and envy for control. Shinaul reminded the audience that “power and submission begin in the mind. If you can enslave a person’s mind,” you can enslave that individual.

The topics ranged from the early church to modern day mass incarceration and were presented by Pastor Stan Hood, Wadieoline Brown, Stacey Whatley, Judge Michael L. Nelson, Sr., Minister Nadia Golphin and Pastor Cheryl Thompson.

Southeast SDA Senior Pastor Stan Hood presented ‘The Preacherman’, a topic that highlighted the impact of the Black Church during slavery. Pastor Hood, an avid student of history, provided a brief but information-packed overview on the role of the church in the early days of slavery. During slavery, the church served a spiritual and also a utilitarian purpose. Slaves benefitted from the sermonizing and singing at the same time because the rhythm had coded messages. They were teaching two things simultaneously—a pathway to freedom and what the “master” told them to teach. The church became the message place.

However, following Nat Turner’s Revolt, the way the church communicated with parishioners changed. Methodists and Baptists tried to convert enslaved Africans to Christianity, but their sermons were often “underhanded passive-aggressive messages about slaves obey your masters. They weren’t feeling it.” The spiritual side of worship became a source of comfort and stated Pastor Hood, “although in bondage, they felt free while in worship.”

Wadeoline Brown presented an interesting discussion on the “N Word.” Brown touched on origins of the word, countries where it is used, various spellings and how it has evolved over the years. The ‘N Word’ can be provocative, used to demean and insult or used as a friendly greeting between friends. Wadieoline Brown also shared personal experiences in which she was called the “N-Word” by individuals she knew and it caused her a great deal of stress. Brown was able to rise above the circumstances and remain positive.

stacy watley In his presentation “I’m Just Your Baby’s Daddy,” Stacey Whatley described the exploitation of Black males forced into the dehumanizing act of conceiving children to supply free labor for the slave trade. Whatley brought this issue to present day and explained how the generational effects of slavery still impact the community. According to Whatley, there are those who still “make babies now and go about [their] business.” Whatley also shared personal experiences and examples of those who are making a difference and stepping up the plate.

20210220 202014 Michael L. Nelson, Sr., Judge, Cleveland Municipal Court presented “The Effects of a Black Mother on her Son,” and delivered a message that underscores the importance of mothers. Judge Nelson rebuked the common myth that men who have good relationships with their mothers are soft. “Don’t buy into that hypermasculinity hype. Mothers who nurture their sons is a good thing. Sons who have good relationships with mom helps him to be kind, healthier and happier.”

Judge Nelson also spoke on how much “women have to endure. Mothers have a big job…not only having the children, but raising the children. Black men were being separated from them during slavery, lynched and killed in war. Women were left to raise whole villages of children.”

Mass incarceration is a subject that Judge Nelson views as critical in the black community and it is a lingering effect from times of enslavement. He is a huge proponent of Criminal Justice Reform and Bail Bond Reform. To secure a good understanding of mass incarceration and its impact on the Black community, Judge Nelson recommends the book “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness,” by Michele Alexander.

Minister Nadia Golphin presented the topic, “Yo Mammy” and she began with the description of the stereotypical mammy--the big, jolly, broad shouldered, apron and head scarf-wearing woman who is affectionate and patient with her “white charges,” but inpatient with her own children.

Minister Golphin went on to describe ‘Yo Mammy’ today. The present-day Mammy who teaches your kids is a licensed educator. The Mammy who cooks your food is now a top chef. The mammy who watches your children is now the daycare center owner. “She is no longer ‘Yo Mammy. I would advise you NOT to call her mammy today. Put some respect on her name.”

Pastor Cheryl Thompson ended the seminar with the topic, “The Neighborhood” and discussed the effects slavery may have on our neighborhoods. According to Pastor Thompson, “We need a more personal connection to have a more productive neighborhood. A lot of this comes from us having that slave mentality, psychological DNA. If we don’t break molds and address things, we will keep handing down the same things. We have a slave mind that says we cannot trust each other and have a neighborhood.”

Pastor Thompson tied the entire seminar together by stating, “Our neighborhood needs us to release ourselves from the slave mentality of mistrust. If we don’t, we will never be what we need to be.”

--by Cecily Bryant

Southeast SDA thanks Kharinne Shinaul for organizing this important contribution to Black History Month and special appreciation is extended to those who participated as presenters—Pastor Stan Hood, Wadioline Brown, Stacey Whatley, Judge Michael Nelson, Minister Nadia Golphin and Pastor Cheryl Thompson.

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