The Art of War
Conflict and the African American Philosophy
Sundays, February 2 – 23
The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.’ – Sun Tzu
From the first European contact to the formation of the United States, war has constantly shaped the nation's history. Key conflicts such as the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War defined America's territorial expansion and policy direction.
As the U.S. nears the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, marginalized communities are raising concerns about these commemorations. While official celebrations aim to unify the nation and reflect on its history, BIPOC communities seek a more truthful reckoning, particularly regarding the lasting impacts of colonization, enslavement, and systemic injustices.
Drawing inspiration from Sun Tzu's The Art of War, which offers a holistic approach to victory in conflict and life, our 2024 EWH Tea Talk Series presents a unique framework. It explores how African philosophies of war, strategy, resilience, and collective action have influenced African American history. The series will also examine how African cosmology provided psychological resilience and survival strategies for those enduring oppression.
PROGRAM LINKS
PRESENTERS BIOS
SUGGESTED READINGS
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION GROUP AGREEMENT
HISTORY SCHOLAR OF THE WEEK
2024 EWH TEA TALKS FLYER (PDF)
PROGRAM SPONSORS
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Schedule coming soon
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 (2:00 PM)
‘If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the results of a hundred battles.’ – Sun Tzu
PANEL #1,
Things They Carried: An African Philosophy on War, Surviving Enslavement and Citizenship
African societies had deep-rooted traditions of military strategy and guerrilla warfare, often used to defend against invaders or internal conflict. Enslaved Africans carried these traditions with them, applying their knowledge of strategy, resistance, and rebellion to push back against oppression.
This panel will explore how African philosophies of war and cosmology helped enslaved Africans endure and cope with the trauma of enslavement. Panelists will discuss how these spiritual and communal frameworks fostered resilience, resistance, and hope, empowering the enslaved to recognize their internal strength and resist dehumanization.
Presenters:
Coming Soon
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2025 (2:00 PM)
“If you are beforehand with your adversary, you should occupy the raised and sunny spots and there wait for him to come.” – Sun Tzu
PANEL #2
Hopes and Impediments: War and Strategies for Belonging
The principle of maneuvering in war emphasizes flexibility and adapting to changing conditions. Historically, African Americans had to navigate oppressive political and social environments, using spiritual and cultural tools to maneuver within systems designed to suppress them.
This session will highlight how, rather than passively accepting their imposed status, African and African American involvement in early wars like the Revolutionary War and the Civil War was both an offensive strategy and a spiritual defiance against a society that deemed them inferior.
Presenters:
Coming Soon
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2025 (2:00 PM)
"If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are .” – Sun Tzu
PANEL #3
The Great Migration: Military Service and the Shaping of a Diversified New Hampshire
In The Art of War, Sun Tzu highlights the importance of using terrain to one's advantage. For African Americans, navigating the U.S. political and social landscape often required knowing when and where to engage. Many viewed military service as a means of achieving social mobility, financial security, and proving their patriotism.
This panel will examine the integration of military bases in New Hampshire—such as Pease, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and Grenier in Manchester—and how these bases contributed to the state's diversification. Panelists will also discuss how military service became a tool for asserting rights and claiming full citizenship.
Presenters:
Coming Soon
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2025 (2:00 PM)
“There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.” – Sun Tzu
PANEL #4
Eyes on the Prize: Protests, Movements, and the Road Ahead
African American civic movements and participation in wars have often been driven by deep moral and ethical goals—freedom, equality, and human dignity. The Civil Rights Movement, for instance, was led by individuals who invoked faith as a unifying force, drawing from Christian theology, African spiritual traditions, and a collective consciousness of liberation. Effective leadership, like in The Art of War's "unity of command," was essential. Many African American leaders were inspirational not just through strategy but through moral and spiritual authority, grounding their calls for justice in deeply held spiritual principles.
This panel will explore African American protest movements, past and present, focusing on nonviolence and self-determination. Panelists will discuss the current state of these movements, highlighting African American spiritual resilience, the strength of unity, and the enduring importance of community.
Presenters:
Coming Soon
Past Tea Talks Archives
2024 EWH Tea Talks Archive
2023 EWH Tea Talks Archive
2022 EWH Tea Talks Archive
2021 EWH Tea Talks Archive
2020 EWH Tea Talks Archive
2019-2020 EWH Expanded Tea Talks Archive
2019 EWH Tea Talks Archive
2018-2019 EWH Expanded Tea Talks Archive
2018 EWH Tea Talks Archive
2017 EWH Tea Talks Archive
