The Folk History of Slavery in the United States: As Told Through Interviews with Former Slaves

Slavery was a brutal and dehumanizing institution that existed in the United States for over two centuries. The experiences of slaves were horrific, and the legacy of slavery continues to shape American society today.

Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States - From Interviews with Former Slaves Arkansas Narratives, Part 7

by Alfred Poole

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	445 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	180 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	42 pages
Item Weight	:	2.08 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.11 x 8 inches

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The folk history of slavery is a way of understanding the experiences of slaves from their own perspectives. This history is based on interviews with former slaves, and it provides a rich and detailed account of their lives.

The Experiences of Slaves

The experiences of slaves varied greatly depending on the time and place in which they lived. However, some common themes emerge from the interviews with former slaves.

One of the most striking things about the experiences of slaves is the violence that they endured. Slaves were beaten, whipped, and tortured. They were also subject to sexual abuse and other forms of violence.

In addition to the physical violence, slaves also endured psychological violence. They were denied their humanity and were treated as property. They were also subjected to constant surveillance and control.

Despite the horrific conditions in which they lived, slaves found ways to resist oppression. They ran away, they stole food, and they sang songs that expressed their hopes and dreams.

The Legacy of Slavery

The legacy of slavery continues to shape American society today. The United States has a long history of racism and discrimination, and these problems are rooted in the institution of slavery.

The legacy of slavery is also evident in the economic disparities between blacks and whites. Slaves were denied the opportunity to own land and accumulate wealth, and this legacy continues to affect African Americans today.

The folk history of slavery is a powerful reminder of the horrors of this institution. It is also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The stories of former slaves provide us with a valuable lesson about the importance of fighting for freedom and equality.

Interviews with Former Slaves

The following are excerpts from interviews with former slaves:

"I was born a slave in Mississippi in 1853. My master was a cruel man. He beat me and whipped me for any little thing. I ran away from him when I was 16 years old, and I never looked back."

"I was sold to a slave trader when I was 10 years old. He took me to New Orleans and sold me to a plantation owner. I worked in the fields from sunup to sundown, and I was never allowed to rest."

"I was a house slave, and I had it a little easier than the field slaves. But I still had to do everything my master and mistress told me to do. I wasn't allowed to have a family or to own anything."

"I was freed from slavery when I was 18 years old. I went to school and learned to read and write. I became a teacher and I spent my life helping others."

These are just a few of the many stories that former slaves told. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the horrors of slavery and the resilience of the human spirit.

Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States - From Interviews with Former Slaves Arkansas Narratives, Part 7

by Alfred Poole

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	445 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	180 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	42 pages
Item Weight	:	2.08 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.11 x 8 inches

FREE