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Examination of a little known aspect of American history, when newly freed slaves throughout the South formed 'benevolent societies' to respond to abject hunger, illness and the fear of a pauper's grave. "The Fair Hope Benevolent Society" in Uniontown, Alabama, provides an unprecedented look at the complex and morally ambiguous juxtaposition of the Society with the worldly pleasures of what has become known as the annual "Foot Wash" celebration.