Abstract
This paper explores the emergence and evolution of liberation humanism in the mid-20th century United States, tracing its roots within the broader currents of American secular and religious humanism, and its vital role in the Black Freedom Struggle. The origins of liberation humanism are situated within the rise of religious humanism among Unitarian and Universalist churches. Although this movement emphasized intellectual inquiry, secular morality, and social reform, it failed to adequately include African Americans due to systemic racial exclusions and cultural disconnects. The turning point came in the 1960s through the Black Empowerment Controversy within the newly merged Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), catalyzed by activists like Hayward Henry (later Mtangulizi Sanyika). Through the creation of the Black Unitarian Universalist Caucus, Black UUs demanded institutional power and resources to pursue liberation-centered initiatives rooted in humanist principles. Liberation humanism emerged as a distinct philosophy rejecting both the limitations of traditional Christian theology and the often race-neutral focus of white humanism. It fused secular ethics with a radical commitment to Black self-determination, justice, and communal uplift. Figures like Sanyika argued that Black liberation required a new value system grounded not in divine intervention but in human agency. Liberation humanism shared many ideals with secular and religious humanists—rationalism, naturalism, human rights—but centered Black life, purpose, and collective destiny. This tradition not only challenged racism within liberal religious institutions but also offered a transformative vision of humanism as a tool for Black liberation.
Presenters
Christopher CameronProfessor, History, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Humanism, Human Rights, Social Justice, African American Religion
