Two African American Activist Women both Unitarians, both born before the Civil War and living into the Twentieth Century and practically unknown today, made huge strides toward social justice and left us with big shoes to fill. We will review the contributions of Francis Ellen Watkins Harper and Fannie Barrier Williams and consider the lessons we can learn from them.

At 20, young Luther discovered Darwin’s “Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication” and it opened a new world to him. He realized that instead of waiting for the mysteries of divine creation, one could rightly and properly help those mysteries unfold with selective breeding. He became a world-renowned expert in plant breeding, and suggested applying this new science to other species. We will review and discuss how the debate over human breeding intrigued him, and how a childless scientist became a sought-after expert on child rearing with his book; “The Training of the Human Plant.”

She will briefly share some history of her faith journey, with a focus on the key things that motivate her life today, including her community service and passion for landscaping. “Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself,” including the flora and fauna that share our planet.
Our outreach offering today benefits the Women’s Crisis Support Team.