Enslaved Africans employed various coping mechanisms to endure the harsh realities of their lives in America. They formed tight-knit communities, fostering strong social bonds and cultural traditions that provided emotional support. Spirituality and religion played a crucial role, offering hope and a sense of purpose through practices like spirituals and communal worship. Additionally, they often engaged in resistance, both passive and active, to assert their humanity and fight against their oppression.
Sought refuge in their families, religion and music
Nearly 20% of the People on Board has died. Slaves were treated harshly, slave owners whipped and beats the slaves.
They blended their languages, cultures, and religions to create something new.
The first Africans brought to Colonial America on English occupied territory came ashore at Point Comfort, today's Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia. They were later transported to plantations including Jamestown. The White Lion, an English ship flying a Dutch Flag brought the first Africans to Virginia in August of 1619. The fist enslaved Africans were considered indentured servants but in 1661 the Virginia House of Burgess declared Africans to be slaves for life.
The Transatlantic trade brought Africans to North America as slaves, most of whom were agricultural workers. Eventually, racist attitudes made it much harder for Africans and their descendants to buy their freedom than it was for European indentured servants in the New World.
Sought refuge in their families, religion and music
Information on the life of enslaved Africans is based on historical records, narratives written by enslaved individuals and abolitionists, archaeological findings, oral traditions, and scholarly research. These sources provide insight into the experiences, challenges, and resilience of enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade and the period of slavery in the Americas.
Africans told stories because they had wanted to keep their culture alive. When they were enslaved, africans were forbidden to read or write. As a solution, they told stories to teach their children about their culture and life.
Nearly 20% of the People on Board has died. Slaves were treated harshly, slave owners whipped and beats the slaves.
They blended their languages, cultures, and religions to create something new.
Enslaved Africans were forced to endure the Transatlantic Slave Trade, a journey that involved being captured in Africa, transported across the Atlantic Ocean on crowded and unsanitary ships, and then sold into slavery in the Americas. This journey was often referred to as the Middle Passage and resulted in unimaginable suffering and loss of life for millions of enslaved Africans.
The first Africans brought to Colonial America on English occupied territory came ashore at Point Comfort, today's Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia. They were later transported to plantations including Jamestown. The White Lion, an English ship flying a Dutch Flag brought the first Africans to Virginia in August of 1619. The fist enslaved Africans were considered indentured servants but in 1661 the Virginia House of Burgess declared Africans to be slaves for life.
Religion was a second refuge for slaves
Music was so important to Africans because they used to tell they slave life in songs
Enslaved Africans significantly contributed to the economic and cultural life in the American colonies through their labor, particularly in agriculture, where they cultivated cash crops such as tobacco, rice, and cotton. Their skills in various trades, including carpentry, blacksmithing, and cooking, also enriched colonial society. Additionally, enslaved Africans brought diverse cultural traditions, music, and culinary practices that influenced American culture. Despite their oppression, they played a vital role in shaping the social and economic landscape of the colonies.
Enslaved Africans in New Spain made significant contributions to its economy, primarily through labor in agriculture, mining, and domestic service. They also played a role in shaping the cultural, culinary, and musical landscape of the region, influencing aspects of language, music, dance, and religion. Additionally, some enslaved Africans were able to gain freedom and achieve social mobility through skilled trades and entrepreneurship.
More Africans were in America or captured and taken to America than in Africa.