"Slave Narratives" is a seminal compilation produced by the United States Work Projects Administration in the 1930s, which presents a vivid collection of firsthand accounts from formerly enslaved individuals. This anthology, rich in oral history, captures the stark realities of slavery, providing unparalleled insights into the lived experiences of these individuals through their own voices. The literary style is characterized by authentic dialect and personal expression, offering a profoun...

Rachel Adams' two-room, frame house is perched on the side of a steep hill where peach trees and bamboo form dense shade. Stalks of corn at the rear of the dwelling reach almost to the roof ridge and a portion of the front yard is enclosed for a chicken yard. Stepping gingerly around the amazing number of nondescript articles scattered about the small veranda, the visitor rapped several times on the front door, but received no response. A neighbor said the old woman might be found at her s...

After the end of Civil War in 1865, more than four million slaves were set free. There were several efforts to record the remembrances of the living former slaves. The Federal Writers' Project was one such project by the United States federal government to support writers during the Great Depression by asking them to interview and record the myriad stories and experiences of slavery of former slaves. The resulting collection preserved hundreds of life stories from 17 US states that would o...

Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves, Volume IV, Georgia Narratives, Part 3 is the third segment in a significant compilation that documents the firsthand experiences of former enslaved individuals in Georgia, recorded by the WPA’s Federal Writers' Project. This volume deepens the exploration of the harsh realities of slavery, providing rich narratives that highlight the personal stories, struggles, and resilience of those who ...

My folks allus belongs to the Cavins and wore their name till after 'mancipation. Pa and ma was named Freeman and Amelia Cavin and Massa Dave fotches them to Texas from Alabama, along with ma's mother, what we called Maria. The Cavins allus thunk lots of their niggers and Grandma Maria say, 'Why shouldn't they—it was their money.' She say there was plenty Indians here when they settled this country and they bought and traded with them without killin' them, if they could. The Indians was po...

Step back in time and meet everyday people from another era: This edition brings to you the complete collection of hundreds of life stories, incredible vivid testimonies of former slaves from 17 U.S. southern states, including photos of the people being interviewed and their extraordinary narratives. After the end of Civil War in 1865, more than four million slaves were set free. There were several efforts to record the remembrances of the former slaves. The Federal Writers' Project was on...

The Voices From The Margins: Authentic Recorded Life Stories by Former Slaves is a groundbreaking collection of narratives documenting the experiences of former slaves in the United States. The book presents a raw and unfiltered look into the lives of individuals who were marginalized and oppressed, offering a unique perspective on American history. Through a combination of first-person accounts and historical context, the author sheds light on the struggles and resilience of a community t...

Aunt Lucy, an ex-slave, lives with her son, Lafayette Brooks, in a shack on the Carroll Inn Springs property at Forest Glen, Montgomery County, Md. To go to her home from Rockville, leave the Court House going east on Montgomery Ave. and follow US Highway No. 240, otherwise known as the Rockville Pike, in its southeasterly direction, four and one half miles to the junction with it on the left (east) of the Garrett Park Road. This junction is directly opposite the entrance to the Georgetown...

Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves, Volume I, Alabama Narratives is a collection of firsthand accounts from former enslaved people in Alabama, compiled as part of the Federal Writers' Project under the United States Work Projects Administration (WPA) in the 1930s. This volume captures the personal stories of individuals who endured the hardships of slavery, sharing memories that range from childhood experiences to moments of ...

Now, Miss Sue, take up. I jes' like to talk to you, honey 'bout dem days ob slavery; 'cause you look like you wan'ta hear all 'bout 'em. All 'bout de ol' rebels; an' dem niggers who left wid de Yankees an' were sat free, but, poor things, dey had no place to go after dey got freed. Baby, all us wuz helpless an' ain't had nothin'. I wuz free a long time 'fo' I knew it. My Mistess still hired me out, 'til one day in talkin' to de woman she hired me to, she, "God bless her soul", she told me,...

Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves, Volume V, Indiana Narratives is a vital collection that documents the experiences of former enslaved individuals in Indiana, compiled by the WPA’s Federal Writers' Project. This volume captures a rich tapestry of narratives that provide important insights into the lives of those who were enslaved and their journeys toward freedom.The interviews reflect a range of experiences, including the ...

Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves, Volume II, Arkansas Narratives, Part 4 completes the series documenting the experiences of formerly enslaved people in Arkansas through the WPA’s Federal Writers' Project. This final volume presents a rich tapestry of firsthand accounts, offering valuable insights into the lives, struggles, and resilience of those who endured the institution of slavery.The interviews in this volume capture ...