What unites Roger Williams, Weetamoo, sunksqua of the Pokasset, and Anglican William Blackstone? They all sought refuge in Narragansett Country, today's Rhode Island. In this presentation as part of our Tyranny vs Liberty lecture series, Narragansett and Brown University historian Mack Scott explores a world in which diverse peoples of all backgrounds pledged new allegiances and found sanctuary and self-determination – a world which holds out lessons for us today.
Whether it be Puritans against Anglicans, Patriots against Loyalists, or Democrats versus Republicans, political participation in America has always been an expression of allegiances – and the stark political choices people faced.
This talk, by Narragansett Tribal member and Brown University historian Mack Scott, examines how people of all backgrounds in the Dawnland (the place the Puritans named New England) expressed and altered their political and diplomatic allegiances throughout the 17th century. It foregrounds the experiences and choices of individuals and groups as they sought sanctuary, self-determination, and sovereignty in the Narragansett Country, today’s Rhode Island.
Narragansett Country was a refuge for displaced persons throughout the 17th century. But more than a sanctuary, it was the only place in the Dawnland where diverse peoples could realize their hopes of self-determination and sovereignty.
By illuminating the choices and actions of Indigenous people, this talk employs agency as an interpretive lens to understand better the political and social realities wrought by individuals and groups during a turbulent and consequential era racked by shifting allegiances.
As we face our own turbulent and consequential era ripe with expressions of allegiance, we must take stock of our past so that we, too, can create sanctuaries where the ideals of personal sovereignty and self-determination can thrive.
Mack Scott is an historian, educator, and member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe. His work focuses on the intersections of race and identity and employs agency as a lens through which to view and understand the voices, stories, and perspectives of traditionally marginalized peoples.
Publications and media
https://doi.org/10.1215/00141801-8025286
https://fountain.fm/episode/hFvonTwYjdss0YNr5c5d
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY61v1-30lc
Please note: The opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and not necessarily those of the Partnership of Historic Bostons.