AFSC’s humanitarian work in Vietnam focused on rehabilitating civilian casualties of the war. Many civilians, especially children, lost limbs as a result of booby traps and bombing campaigns in the countryside. It is without a doubt that innocent people suffer the worst of war. War was a disruption of their daily lives, but also constituted a theft of an otherwise peaceful future. Relief efforts were severely limited due to a lack of personnel, supplies, clean water, and sanitation.

Sam Lemon is a member of Providence Monthly Meeting in Media, PA. In 2007, he earned a doctorate in Education, Culture, and Society at the University of Pennsylvania. Currently employed as the director of a graduate program at a local university, he also writes on a range of topics including history, culture, science, and spirituality. His first book, Go Stand Upon the Rock (2014) recounts his ancestors’ flight from slavery to freedom during the American Civil War.

Sam Lemon is a member of Providence Monthly Meeting in Media, PA. In this spiritual autobiography, Sam describes his inward journey as a Quaker and the way it connects to his outward journey for racial justice. This is the second installment in a series featuring the writings of contemporary Black Quakers on the subject of Black Lives Matter. 

Sarah Willie-LeBreton is a sociologist who teaches at Swarthmore College and a member of Providence Monthly Meeting of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. She lives in Media with her family.

Sarah Willie-LeBreton is a Black Quaker who teaches Sociology at Swarthmore College. This piece connects past and present, self and community, and Spirit and action in an exploration of Black Lives Matter. This is the first installment of a series in honor of Black History Month featuring the writings of contemporary Black Quakers on the subject of Black Lives Matter.

A 12-minute, silent film, shot in color, brings the viewer right into the camps. Camels come and go frequently. Men generally wear long tunics and flowing traditional headdresses that protect them from the sun. Women and children are very shy in front of the camera at first, but soon enjoy showing how they balance large water jugs and bundles on their heads, even while carrying a baby. Most tents appear to be in poor condition and there are long lines for virtually everything, from milk to grain to classrooms.