A Brief History of Slavery

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Battling De-Humanization: Families, Community and Faith. Existence is Resistance.

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Slaves?

 People held in bondage are not their condition. 

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African people held in bondage,in the United States faced extreme dehumanization, as they were considered property rather than human beings with rights and dignity. Despite this, enslaved people found ways to resist their dehumanization and maintain their humanity. 

Here are some ways that slaves battled dehumanization:

Religion: 

Many enslaved people turned to religion, such as Christianity or Islam, as a way to maintain their humanity and dignity. Religion offered a sense of hope, community, and resistance against their oppressors.

Family and community: 

Enslaved people formed strong family and community bonds as a way to resist their dehumanization. They supported one another, shared stories and traditions, and created a sense of belonging.

Education: 

Despite laws forbidding the education of enslaved people, some found ways to learn to read and write, which helped them maintain their intellectual and emotional autonomy.

Resistance: 

Enslaved people resisted their oppression in various ways, such as through work slowdowns, sabotage, and running away. These acts of resistance allowed them to assert their agency and resist their dehumanization.

Culture and art: 

Enslaved people developed their own unique cultural traditions and art forms, such as music, dance, and storytelling. These expressions of creativity allowed them to celebrate their humanity and resist their dehumanization.

Enslaved people battled dehumanization by turning to religion, building strong family and community bonds, seeking education, engaging in resistance, and developing their own cultural traditions and art forms. 

These acts of resistance helped them maintain their humanity and dignity in the face of extreme oppression.