Sun, Nov 23
|Sanctuary
The FCB Legacy of Slavery Project: Update, Q&A Session, and Reception
Join us at 12:30 pm, on November 23, to hear an update on the FCB Legacy of Slavery Project and next steps. We will be unveiling a temporary display honoring the enslaved workers on the Atkins’ Soledad Plantation, which includes the names uncovered thus far, photos, and info about their lives.
Time & Location
Nov 23, 2025, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Sanctuary, 404 Concord Ave, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
About The Event
The FCB Legacy of Slavery Project invites you to join us for a presentation and reception at 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary to give a brief update on the work of our group. We will be sharing some highlights of what we've learned—and what we hope to still uncover—and our plans for this church year and beyond. We look forward to your questions. Following the presentation, you'll be invited to view the informational display we've put together honoring the lives of the enslaved workers of Soledad, the Atkins' plantation in the Cienfuegos Region of Cuba. The Atkins family, major benefactors of First Church as well as important church lay leaders in the late 19th and early 20th century, amassed their enormous fortune in the Cuban sugar trade, which depended largely on the work of enslaved laborers. The Atkins eventually became slave owners themselves in the 1880's, just a few years before the institution of slavery was fully abolished on the island. Refreshments will be served at this event. Questions? Email Gina Carloni at gina.carloni@gmail.com.