Slave Narrative

The Portrait of Slavery

Between 1500 and 1800, about 15 million Africans were

captured and shipped as slaves to the Western Hemisphere. Approximately 2 million died

before reaching their destination.

Often pairs of adults were chained together at the ankles and wrists. The shackles were removed only when one of the pair became very sick or died.

Slaves were at constant risk of losing members of their family.

An owner could sell “his property” at any time for profit, to pay debts or as a punishment.

Without the power to punish, bondage could not have existed.

-Kenneth Stampp

The life of a slave was ruled by terror. Non-compliant and compliant slaves alike were

whipped and brutalized on a frequent basis.

Because slaves were property, it was not uncommon for female

slaves to be raped by their owners, members of the owner’s

family or the owner’s friends.

Slaves who attempted escape were often maimed or killed.

Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery I feel a strong

impulse to see it tried on him personally.

-Abraham Lincoln

Death is better than slavery.

-Harriet Jacobs