Slave+Culture

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//Religion, education, family, music, and dance were all very important to slaves. These things all gave them hope and a way to cope with their pain or remember their pasts. They could teach these things to their children and pass their traditions and cultures on forever. -Victoria//======

//__Religion__//
Many slaves went to religion for inspiration. Slaves held their own secret meetings where they spoke of the New Testament as well as the Old Testament story of Moses leading his people out of slavery in Egypt. Some slave owners would allow their slaves to practice Christianity because they thought it would make them more obedient to their masters. Ministers in the south taught that the Bible said to always be obedient to their masters. On the other hand black preachers would speak and teach about eventually reaching freedom and being free. They would also compare the slave community to the Old Testament. They taught that God would deliver and bring the African Americans to freedom. Some religious gatherings also gave them some form of education. Some slaves would also combine their own religions and beliefs with those of Christianity. They would hold secret meetings at night to sing, dance, and pray. These traditions would not be allowed in white churches. -Victoria

//__Education__// Southern slaves were usually not allowed to learn, read and write. Some would find ways to learn but it was very difficult. Slaves in urban areas were much more likely to learn, read, and write than those on plantations. Many states had Black Codes which made it illegal for slaves to read and write. Some states did not have this law, but slaves would sometimes be banned from joining in groups or gatherings. -Victoria

//__Family__// Family one of the most important things to slaves. In some cases if family was separated it would always give them someone to live for, in hope that they would someday meet again in freedom. On the other hand some families that stayed together helped each other and encouraged their family members to stay strong and never lose hope. Some slave owners even encouraged their slaves to have or make families. This was so more babies so that the master would not have to buy more slaves. Slave owners also believed that with families it would make it less likely for slaves to escape. Slaves knew that if they were to run away they may never see their families again. Not only would it harm the runaway slave but the rest of the family could be severely punished. Slaves never knew if they would wake up one morning lacking a family member. Therefore slaves learned to create family that could somehow replace those that were taken away from them. Slaves very strong belief in the spiritual power that they had made their connections to family even more special to them. -Victoria

//__Music and Dance__// Music was extremely important in the lives of African American plantation laborers. By singing it made their days less dark. They would also use music while working to keep a rhythm going. They would also sing more traditional songs and spirituals to pass on their culture and sing for their ancestors. Finally they would use gospel music in celebration. They would also use music and dancing when secretly practicing their religions and what they believed in. Spirituals were mainly sung for new Christians for religious purposes. They did serve many other purposes. For example they also provided some hope for freedom. These spirituals were usually put into code. Usually work songs would also be accompanied by foot stomping and or hand clapping. -Victoria