Black life during slavery was defined by brutal oppression and the constant threat of violence. Here’s a glimpse into that harsh reality:

• Dehumanization: Enslaved people were viewed as property, not humans. They were denied basic rights, families were torn apart through sales, and they could be subjected to brutal punishments.

• Forced Labor: Slaves were forced to work long hours in harsh conditions, often in agriculture or domestic service. Their labor enriched slaveholders while they themselves received little or nothing.

• Limited Freedom: Movement and activities were restricted. Literacy was often discouraged to prevent rebellion. Enslaved people had no control over their lives.

• Family & Community: Despite the horrors, enslaved people built strong families and communities. They held onto cultural traditions from Africa through storytelling, music, and religion, finding solace and strength in their shared experiences.

• Resistance: Slavery wasn’t accepted passively. There were numerous forms of resistance, from feigning illness to slow down work to planning full-scale rebellions.