What is Mass Slavery Apology? 

Mass Slavery Apology's work for racial justice and healing grew from an apology for slavery written by three of our members, all white, with guidance from advisors of color. Since it was completed in 2009, we have expanded our group and our focus.

Our main projects at present:

- Educating others, especially whites, about racism and white privilege. In addition to this website and our apology statement, we:

• Speak in the western MA area about working for racial justice, racism and white privilege, the Interfaith Pilgrimage of Middle Passage, and other related topics. We also facilitate around racism and white privilege – two barriers to creating inclusive communities.

• Describe our work and/or table at events in the western MA area. We can bring part or all of our engaging display [outdoors, indoors] addressing racism, white privilege, and working for racial justice, as well as copies of our apology statement and other handouts.

- Networking and building collaborations with other antiracism activists through events, this website, and our email list.

- Seeking signatures for our apology statement. The statement is a powerful voice for racial healing, transformation, and education, and we invite people of European descent to join us by adding their signatures.

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Introduction to

Facing Our Unhealed Past

Some time ago, a group of us, friends brought together by a common desire to confront racism, traveled to New York City to see The Maafa, A Healing Journey. The Maafa is a moving and enlightening theater piece about slavery and its vestiges through the ages. When a local friend mentioned that she hoped to stage a similar production with a focus on our area of western Massachusetts, we were prompted to think about how we, a group of whites, could contribute to this healing journey.

We decided that we wanted to offer a formal apology to African Americans and all other descendants of those who were enslaved in the United States.

With guidance from African American and Native American activists/educators, we have written this apology for slavery, including commitments to restorative action. 

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Wondering what other readers think about our statement?

We've received many comments...

read them here

Our occasional email newsletter lists events and resources for antiracists.

Read newsletters here.

George at Occupy Wall Street, October 2011

Middle Passage Ceremonies & Port Markers Project

Over the next several years, the Middle Passage Ceremonies & Port Markers Project will offer remembrance ceremonies commemorating the 2-6 million Africans who perished in the Middle Passage of the transatlantic slave trade.

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