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Folk History of Slavery in the United States: Narratives from Former Slaves

Alec Hayes

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Published in Slave Narratives: A Folk History Of Slavery In The United States From Interviews With Former Slaves Administrative Files Selected Records Bearing On The History Of The Slave Narratives

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The institution of slavery in the United States was a deeply oppressive and dehumanizing system that left an enduring legacy of pain and trauma. The stories of those who endured this horrific experience are invaluable for understanding the true nature of slavery and its impact on individuals and communities.

Slave Narratives: a Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves Administrative Files Selected Records Bearing on the History of the Slave Narratives

by Julika Sonnschein

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Folk history, which encompasses the oral traditions and lived experiences of people, provides a rich source of information about slavery. Interviews with former slaves offer a unique glimpse into their lives, struggles, and resilience. These narratives provide a valuable supplement to written records, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of slavery and the humanity of those who were enslaved.

The Folkloric Archive

A significant body of folk history on slavery has been collected through interviews with former slaves. These interviews were conducted by scholars, historians, and government agencies, such as the Federal Writers' Project during the Great Depression. The resulting archive of narratives provides a vast and diverse array of perspectives on slavery.

The narratives cover a wide range of topics, including the horrors of the Middle Passage, the daily realities of life on plantations, the mechanisms of control and resistance, and the long-term effects of slavery on individuals and families. The interviews offer a multifaceted portrait of slavery, revealing the complexities of the institution and its profound impact on human lives.

The Voices of Former Slaves

The narratives of former slaves provide a window into their lived experiences, allowing us to hear their voices and witness their resilience.

One such narrative is that of Harriet Tubman, a former slave who escaped to freedom and became a renowned abolitionist. In her interview with Wilbur Siebert in 1878, Tubman recounted her harrowing journey to freedom and her unwavering determination to help others escape.

"I had reasoned this out in my mind," Tubman said. "There was one of two things I had a right to: liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other." Tubman's narrative is a testament to the indomitable spirit and courage of those who fought for their freedom.

Another powerful narrative is that of Frederick Douglass, a renowned abolitionist and author who escaped slavery in 1845. In his autobiography, Douglass described the brutality of slavery and the transformative power of education.

"I have often been asked," Douglass wrote, "what is the first duty of a slave? I answer: to run away. That is his right; that is his duty." Douglass's narrative is a powerful indictment of slavery and a celebration of the human spirit.

Resistance and Resilience

The narratives of former slaves reveal the myriad ways in which they resisted and survived the horrors of slavery. From subtle acts of defiance to organized revolts, enslaved individuals found ways to assert their humanity and fight for their freedom.

One common form of resistance was work slowdowns and sabotage. Slaves would often feign illness, break tools, and sabotage crops to disrupt the plantation economy. Other forms of resistance included running away, forming secret societies, and organizing armed revolts.

The narratives also highlight the resilience of former slaves. Despite the trauma they endured, many found ways to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities. They established churches, schools, and businesses, and they became active in the fight for civil rights.

Long-Term Consequences

The narratives of former slaves also shed light on the long-term consequences of slavery. Enslaved individuals and their descendants faced discrimination, poverty, and other forms of systemic racism that persisted long after the abolition of slavery.

Many former slaves struggled to adjust to freedom and find employment. They were often denied basic rights, such as the right to vote and own property. The trauma of slavery also had a lasting impact on their physical and mental health.

The narratives of former slaves remind us of the ongoing legacy of slavery in the United States. While slavery was abolished over 150 years ago, its effects continue to reverberate through American society today.

The folk history of slavery in the United States, as told through the interviews with former slaves, provides an invaluable and often overlooked perspective on this dark chapter in American history. The narratives offer a glimpse into the lived experiences of enslaved individuals, their struggles, resilience, and the lasting impact of slavery on their lives and communities.

By listening to the voices of former slaves, we can better understand the complexities of slavery, its dehumanizing effects, and the enduring legacy that continues to shape American society today.

Slave Narratives: a Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves Administrative Files Selected Records Bearing on the History of the Slave Narratives

by Julika Sonnschein

4.5 out of 5