Fit for Freedom, Not for Friendship

Fit for Freedom, Not for Friendship: Quakers, African Americans, and the Myth of Racial Justice   

There is a common misconception that, because of their belief in equality, most Quakers assisted fugitive slaves and involved themselves in civil rights activism. While there were Friends committed to ending enslavement and post-enslavement injustices, this study of Quaker history reveals that racism has been as insidious, complex, and pervasive among Friends as it has been generally among people of European descent. The book documents the spiritual and practical impacts of discrimination in the Religious Society of Friends in the expectation that understanding the truth of our past is vital to achieving a diverse, inclusive community in the future.

I believe that Fit for Freedom, Not For Friendship will be looked upon as an indispensable resource for years to come for anyone who wants to gain an honest and comprehensive understanding of Friends’ relationship to the African American community and especially its quest for justice.                                                                - Cathy Wald, Friends Journal review. Read the full review, here. 

You can find the Fit For Freedom, Not for Friendship ebook study guide here.

Watch author Vanessa Julye's QuakerSpeak video.  You can also learn about the FGC Ministry on Racism Program, which Vanessa coordinates, and how you can help your meeting challenge racism.

Authors: Donna McDaniel and Vanessa Julye
Publisher: Quaker Press of FGC, February 2009