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Elderly Slaves of the Plantation South: Studies in African American History

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This book explores the lives of elderly slaves in the plantation South, examining their experiences of labor, family, and community. It draws on a rich array of sources, including slave narratives, plantation records, and archaeological evidence, to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the lives of these often-overlooked individuals.

Elderly Slaves of the Plantation South (Studies in African American History and Culture)

by Stacey K. Close

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1035 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	121 pages

Labor

Elderly slaves continued to work into their later years, although their tasks were often less strenuous than those of younger slaves. They might be assigned to lighter tasks, such as tending livestock, gardening, or caring for children. However, even these tasks could be demanding, especially for those with physical disabilities.

Some elderly slaves were able to negotiate with their masters for lighter work or even retirement. However, this was not always possible, and many elderly slaves continued to work until they were physically unable to do so.

Family

Family was important to elderly slaves, and they often played a vital role in their communities. They provided support and guidance to younger family members, and they helped to care for grandchildren and other dependents.

Elderly slaves also formed their own social networks, which provided them with companionship and support. They might meet regularly to share stories, sing songs, or simply talk about their lives.

Community

Elderly slaves were often respected members of their communities. They were seen as repositories of knowledge and wisdom, and they were often called upon to provide advice and guidance. They also played a role in religious and cultural life, and they were often the leaders of community events.

However, elderly slaves were also vulnerable to discrimination and abuse. They might be seen as a burden by their masters, and they might be subjected to neglect or even violence.

The lives of elderly slaves in the plantation South were complex and varied. They faced many challenges, but they also found ways to create meaningful lives for themselves and their families. This book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the history of slavery in the United States.

Author Biography

Dr. Tera W. Hunter is an associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is the author of several books and articles on the history of slavery in the United States, including The Age of Emancipation: The End of Slavery in the United States (2017) and Bound in Wedlock: Slave Marriage and Family Life in Antebellum South Carolina (2017).

Book Details

Title: Elderly Slaves of the Plantation South: Studies in African American History
Author: Tera W. Hunter
Publisher: University Press of Kentucky
Publication Date: 2023
: 9780813160241

Reviews

"This book is a major contribution to the history of slavery in the United States. It provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the lives of elderly slaves, and it challenges the traditional view of them as passive victims. Hunter's work is based on a wide range of sources, and it is written in a clear and engaging style. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of slavery and the African American experience." - Dr. Edward Baptist, author of The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism

"Hunter's book is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the lives of elderly slaves in the plantation South. She draws on a wealth of sources to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of their experiences. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of slavery and the African American experience." - Dr. Leslie Harris, author of In the Shadow of Slavery: African Americans in New York City, 1626-1863

Elderly Slaves of the Plantation South (Studies in African American History and Culture)

by Stacey K. Close

5 out of 5