Benezet: Unsung Hero of 1776

You may have heard the name of Benezet –pioneering abolitionist, refugee from France, educational innovator, and deeply committed vegetarian. But with the 250th anniversary of 1776, note that this soft-spoken Quaker not only played a role in the Founding Fathers’ “Patriot” crusade, but achieved something else of immense significance to our nation in that same year. This special Veg History Day talk (the birthday of pioneering historian Ryan Berry, and also the birthday of Anthony Benezet) will bring to light Benezet’s role in popularizing both “natural rights” language (in the 1760s) and public opposition to British slavery among the colonists (in the 1770s), and also his seminal role in bringing his fellow Quakers to a game-changing milestone in 1776. We’ll also show how Benezet’s tireless work within the human sphere was tied to his revolutionary outlook on animals. Admission to this presentation is free to members of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides. Zoom option available as well.