Colonialism, Slavery, and A Few Classmates.
Shame can often feel like an overwhelming and paralyzing force in our lives. As a therapist, I’ve learned to navigate my own feelings of shame, and I have come to realize that openness is key. Honestly, before delving into this topic, I had no understanding of colonialism, and my background kept me from shaming myself. Admittedly, if someone had put a book to my head and yelled, “Tell me what you know about colonialism, or I will make you read this book!” I might have stumbled through a vague response about white settlers in the 1600s taking land from Indigenous peoples. That is all I know, and I have no idea where this belief originated.
On the other hand, slavery is a different narrative. Growing up as a Black child, the realities of slavery and racism were woven into the fabric of my life. These topics surfaced in conversations at wedding receptions, family reunions, funerals, birthday celebrations, and even in school. They are intrinsic to the Black experience and culture. My understanding deepened significantly when I was just 11 years old and watched the TV series Roots. It was a heart-wrenching experience that frightened me, especially the scenes depicting the suffering of Black individuals who endured horrific treatment through shootings and whippings.
A year later, in 6th grade, our class had the profound experience of learning about the deep injustices of slavery, guided by our compassionate teacher, Geraldine Allen. I will always remember how she spoke about it with such empathy and painfully, saying that “President Thomas Jefferson raped our black little girls.” Twenty years later, I learned that the 14-year-old girl he raped was Sarah “Sally” Hemings, and she actually bore him 6 children.
Throughout my life, I have come to understand the deep pain and struggles experienced by Black individuals in America due to the treatment they have faced from white people. I’ve learned that the South has often been a harsher environment for racism compared to the North. The historical realities of redlining, which affected my family in 1969, have opened my eyes to systemic injustices. Ultimately, I have come to recognize that slavery is a profound evil that has caused lasting trauma and suffering. My journey of learning has fueled a strong desire for empathy and understanding.
I deeply believe that slavery is an atrocity rooted in profound injustice, and this conviction is echoed in the teachings of the Bible, which warns against the perils of such injustices. Moreover, slavery not only inflicts immense suffering on individuals but also has a damaging impact on communities and society as a whole. The trauma it causes can last for generations, and it pains me to think of the profound harm it brings to humanity. My family, culture, elementary school teachers, and books have shaped my view of slavery.
COLONIALISM AND SLAVERY
I found my inspectional reading of Colonialism by Nigel Biggar to be a deeply enlightening experience. It was refreshing to explore ideas that were completely new to me. Similarly, A Brief History of Slavery by Jeremy Black significantly broadened my understanding of the complexities of slavery on a global scale. Both authors emphasize the importance of contextualizing colonialism and slavery within the broader narrative of human suffering across history. This insight truly resonated with me, revealing that slavery encompasses various forms, including sex trafficking and forced labor, which can be overlooked.
Biggar’s perspective truly resonated with me as he ventures beyond the simplistic labels of colonialism as solely good or bad. He bravely confronts the deep injustices and atrocities that occurred during colonial rule while also thoughtfully examining how certain colonial initiatives may have offered benefits to the colonized regions. This nuanced viewpoint allows us to approach the struggles of the past with empathy, understanding the complexities that have shaped these experiences. For instance, Biggar dedicates considerable attention to addressing why colonialism should not be solely viewed in a negative light. He reflects on movements like the Rhodes Must Fall campaign at Oxford, offering evidence to suggest that Rhodes was not driven by racism and that he “showed consistent sympathy for individual black Africans throughout his life.”1 Bobby Duffy wrote in Why We’re Wrong About Nearly Everything, “the interactions between how we think and what we’re told are not as well recognized. Almost all existing analysis tends to focus on one side or the other.”2 When this happens, people can be “tarnished as racist.”3 Because of this evidence and much more, I also have a balanced viewpoint on colonialism. It seems weird to say that, but it’s true. Without this book, I would have continued with a negative viewpoint on colonialism.
My beliefs on slavery were confirmed that it is atrocious. “Africa was the primary source of slaves for the European-controlled slave trade.”4 This resulted in families being separated, leading to deep emotional pain and trauma for many.
But my beliefs were also challenged because, since age five, I have been indoctrinated on how slavery has been atrocious for the black person, which is true. But Black helped me to understand that in the 16th century, many white people were taken into slavery. Slavery is a deeply complex and far-reaching issue that extends beyond the experiences of black individuals. My understanding of slavery used to be quite narrow, focusing primarily on the history of black slavery in America. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge the vast and varied forms of slavery that have existed throughout human history. Slavery has been a part of the human experience since ancient times, dating all the way back to Biblical times, affecting countless lives across different cultures. This was very good for me to read and understand.
It was also good for me to learn that “the majority of Africans transported in the eighteenth century went to the West Indies and Brazil, and fewer than a fifth to North America.”5 I’ve come to realize that my previous understanding—that all African slaves were transported to the United States—was too simplistic. I’m grateful for the challenge to my beliefs, as it has opened my eyes to a more nuanced perspective. I look forward to reading Black’s book when I have the opportunity; I know it will further deepen my understanding.
In closing, I would like to highlight a few classmates whom I truly believe will be powerful change agents in the journey toward racial reconciliation.
Jonita Fair Payton – Jonita is the Moses of the 21st century because she parts waters through prayer and intelligent dialogue. She is a leader who deeply cares about diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially among women. She has a unique ability to lead people and organizations to change.
Jana Dluehosh – Jana has a special gift for helping people heal wounds. What makes her gift so special is that her personality is warm and inviting, which makes people feel safe. Any leader like this will always make a huge difference in society, especially in the workplace. To say she is a well-differentiated leader is an understatement.
Dinka Utomo—Dinka is an excellent example of a leader who leads well within a team. His communal approach is the reason his success has been long-term. People are drawn to him and his leadership because he makes them feel they are the only person in the room, even when they are surrounded by many people.
Kim Sanford – Kim knows how to balance life. Life is filled with surprises, changes, disagreements, ups and downs, and due to Kim’s emotional health, intelligence, and strong character, her leadership helps others improve spiritually and relationally. Her Christ-centered focus is contagious and gives an organization or team the confidence to reach any goal.
Jenny Dooley – Jenny reads people very well, which enhances her ability to speak into the lives of everyone she comes in contact with. She has a remarkable ability to help people see their struggles and then walk with them to heal those deep-rooted issues and shame. Jenny helps people reconcile with themselves before they reconcile with others.
- Nigel Biggar. 3
- Why We’re Wrong About Nearly Everything. Bobby Duffy. 17.
- The Cancelling of the American Mind. Greg Lukianoff and Rikki Schlott. 84.
- A Brief History of Slavery. Jeremy Black. 53.
- 108.
About the Author
Todd E Henley
Todd is an avid cyclist who loves watching NASCAR, photography, and playing Madden football. He is addicted to reading, eating fruits and vegetables, and drinking H2O. His passion is talking about trauma, epigenetics, chromosomes, and the brain. He has been blessed with a sensationally sweet wife and four fun creative children (one of which resides in heaven). In his free time he teaches at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary and is the Founder/Executive Director of Restore Counseling Center.12 responses to “Colonialism, Slavery, and A Few Classmates.”
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Hi Todd,
I really appreciate your reflections and your empathetic and trauma-focused perspective. You mentioned that our reading has given you a more “balanced viewpoint on colonialism.” I am holding that tension as well, particularly since I have reaped the benefits of it for much of my life.
Colonialism did open up new regions for the spread of the gospel and it was not always done well. I sometimes wonder at the grace of God, that he puts desire, adventure, and curiosity in our hearts for a purpose. I do believe that purpose is for connection with himself and others. So, I continue to hold the tension between what is good and right while attending the harm that disordered desires produce. What helps you hold that tension? I keep looking for how God been was/is at work in all our wicked problems.
Thank you for your kind words. I’ve enjoyed your posts the last few weeks as you highlight our cohort. You are excellent at seeing the gifts in others and I appreciate your words of encouragement and affirmation.
Hey Jenny. You tend to always teach me new words or phrases. You wrote, “So, I continue to hold the tension between what is good and right while attending the harm that disordered desires produce.” I love that phrase disordered desires. I’m going to incorporate that into my counseling and teaching. It’s an excellent way to give language to when we have the right motive to please God but go about it the wrong way.
Interestingly, what has helped me hold the tension even better is this program, the books we have read, intentionally seeing Scripture differently, and my classmates. Jenny, now, when I approach a subject, I honestly believe I could be wrong AND more importantly, I have a lot to learn in every area. This helps me to hold the tension.
Also, my clients. many have made terrible mistakes due to their trauma or they have traumatized others and it’s part of my goal to walk with them in their pain even when they do something that is harmful to others. Jesus would pursue them, therefore, I need to pursue them.
Hi, Todd,
I, too, did not realize how incredibly complex colonialism was but so appreciated Biggar’s thorough approach to unpacking this tough subject. Also, thank you for sharing of your own experience and how deeply slavery and racism continue to bear witness with so many. You are so right in mentioning the powerful voices this cohort has in this arena, but I add you to the mix. It is evident that you live your life accepting others with compassion and kindess no matter who they are which breeds reconciliation. Also, your heart for and ministry to those who experience trauma on so many levels and often live with deep shame and regret speaks volumes as well.
Thank you!
Hey Esther, I like your wording for Biggar’s writing on colonialism, “Incredibly complex.” Incredibly complex does not mean it is impossible to understand; it just means we need more voices to give us a broader understanding. Those two words you wrote really got me thinking about colonialism and even what others I am not aware of can add to the conversation. As always, thank you for your insight.
Hi Todd,
Thank you for sharing your feelings as you struggle with both books this week. Of course, overcoming the turmoil of various mixed feelings is difficult, especially when talking about unpleasant past experiences. But I was finally relieved when I found in your writing that the authors enlightened you.
You wrote, “I deeply believe that slavery is an atrocity rooted in profound injustice, and this conviction is echoed in the teachings of the Bible, which warns against the perils of such injustices. Moreover, slavery not only inflicts immense suffering on individuals but also has a damaging impact on communities and society as a whole.” In your experience, what essential things should humans have so that they will not be controlled by the desire to dominate and exploit others?
As your brother in Christ, I am grateful for your reflection on our cohort friends, including myself. I appreciate it. That is awesome. Blessings.
Hey Dinka, thank you for your exceelent questions. I believe the first quality is humility. Putting others first by understanding as much as we can about them. Second, having an emotionally mature community of friends who walk with us in our struggles, challenges, joys, and insights. These people have permission to speak into our lives in order to keep us humble. Finally, falling in love with Jesus and how He cared for people is very helpful. These are just a few.
Great post man, once again, look the shoutout’s you are giving our cohort.
Reality and history are never simple, is it? The more you learn the more you realize you don’t know. You realized , like I did, that both black and white people were subjected to slavery and that African slaves were taken to other parts of the world besides America. It is tempting to paint a picture of history to suit an agenda, but history is always messier then we would like to give it credit for.
Also appreciate you sharing your experiences of race growing up. I share in some of that as well. I’m not sure if people are getting my title, Although I am, History is Not so Black and White. Get it… Ha. I had some extremely painful things happen in my small white town, but I’m at a point where I can acknowledge and even laugh about some of it. Still, like you, fighting to bring more love and awareness into this world.
Hey my brother. First of all, I can’t wait to read your post. Thank you for bringing up how easy it is to paint a picture of history to suit our agenda. Biggar helped point this out for me. And you really got me thinking that “history is always messier then we would like to give it credit for.” I have never thought about that and it is true. Thank you Sir Adam for brining that to me attention.
Great for you man that you can look back at your own pain and even laugh at it. Now that’s some serious psychoneuroimmunological growth!!! Your a blessing bro.
Todd, I love how you have us all wanting to read your post! You are highlighting us and I feel honored that you chose me for this category especially. Thank you Todd for your undying enthusiasm for learning and walking alongside so many.
Thank you for your thought ful post on slavery. I love reading everyones post because I learn so much! Thank you teacher!
Well, Jana, the fact that you can learn from me shows you can learn from anyone, which says more about you than me. Honestly, it was a joy writing about you because you are so easy to relate to, and you’re a humble, well-differentiated leader!
Todd,
I felt this deeply, you wrote, “Growing up as a Black child, the realities of slavery and racism were woven into the fabric of my life. These topics surfaced in conversations at wedding receptions, family reunions, funerals, birthday celebrations, and even in school. They are intrinsic to the Black experience and culture.” I found it hard to write about for this very reason. Thank you for articulating some of the things that I could not.
Well Jonita, I guarantee it will be the only time I articulate some of the things that you could not because you are so freaking intelligent! Thank you for the compliment my friend. My prayers to you as you heal ❤️🩹