“If we ever hope to reduce, significantly, the nature of true violence, we must have a better understanding of what violence actually is and examine the structural roots of the violence that is all around us.”
Harold D. Weaver Jr., Race, Systemic Violence, and Retrospective Justice: An African American Quaker Scholar-Activist Challenges Conventional Narratives (Pendle Hill Press 2020, Audiobook 2026)
In recognition of World Quaker Day, we invite you to reflect on the following queries and share your thoughts with us at theblackquakerproject@gmail.com.
- How do you react to the BlackQuaker Project’s strong feeling that there can be no peace without justice?
- What forms of threats to peace exist within your community?
- Why should we focus on STRUCTURAL VIOLENCE–not just direct, visible violence–in understanding and attempting to resolve today’s domestic and international tensions?
We wish a Happy Independence Day to the citizens of Nigeria and China and we hope you enjoy the forthcoming World Quaker Day celebrations.
Peace and Blessings,
The BlackQuaker Project
Wellesley Friends Meeting,
New England Yearly Meeting of Friends (Quakers)
www.theblackquakerproject.org
1 October 2026
