Religious Individuals
noun re·li·gion \ ri-ˈli-jən \
1: (a) the state of a religious
(b) the service and worship of God or the supernatural
2: commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
Religious individuals played a role of leadership in their communities. Their thoughts on the institution of slavery helped to shape and influence the people and communities in which they lived. This could be for the betterment of the society through good works and resistance against slavery or by using religion in order to keep the institution of slavery alive and well. Explore the story of Anthony Benezet to see how one man, a Quaker in Philadelphia, used his influence as a religious community leader to help freed black children obtain an education.
The Quaker Star, a symbol of Quaker service in the 19th century.