Rum, Slavery, and the American Revolution is a 90-minute documentary film, in pre-production, that will engage a popular audience in a new conversation on the moral conflicts surrounding the slave/rum trade and the ideals of liberty. Colonial America's desire for rum drove a quest for inalienable human rights while simultaneously enslaving a race. Its taxation bolstered rum’s image as the American Colonist’s drink for freedom, while simultaneously acting as a cause and currency of the slave trade.

How could an amber liquid derived from the by-product of sugar refinement, be central to both the greatest and worst of human endeavors?

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, attention is drawn to fresh perspectives on our history.
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Two archetypal 18th century Rhode Island brothers, John and Moses Brown center the film. Each brother represented opposing sides of America’s debate regarding slavery. John Brown’s ardent support and participation in the slave trade built his wealth and political power. Moses Brown’s Quaker revelation and subsequent manumission of his slaves drove his abolition activities.

Executive Producer Tom Garber Executive Cultural Consultant Barrymore A Bogues, P.h.D. Professor of Africana Studies, Director of the Center of the Study of Slavery and Justice at Brown University

“If we’re ever going to ‘end the racial nightmare, and achieve our country,’ we have to address this history that is stifling our shared future”.

James Baldwin

JOHN BROWN

MOSES BROWN

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, attention is drawn to fresh perspectives on our history.
Executive Producer Tom Garber Executive Cultural Consultant Barrymore A Bogues, P.h.D. Professor of Africana Studies, Director of the Center of the Study of Slavery and Justice at Brown University
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, attention is drawn to fresh perspectives on our history.
Executive Producer Tom Garber Executive Cultural Consultant Barrymore A Bogues, P.h.D. Professor of Africana Studies, Director of the Center of the Study of Slavery and Justice at Brown University