In the 1930’s, different historians, folklorists, and others as a part of the Works Progress Administration, made a point to interview the aging population of black Americans who were alive before the Civil War and remembered slavery. They collected more than 2,300 narratives and memoirs called the WPA American Slave Narratives. They are available in their entirety on the Library of Congress’s website. I am providing you with 11 selections of men and women telling their stories about life before the Civil War.

QUESTION

In the 1930’s, different historians, folklorists, and others as a part of the Works Progress Administration, made a point to interview the aging population of black Americans who were alive before the Civil War and remembered slavery. They collected more than 2,300 narratives and memoirs called the WPA American Slave Narratives. They are available in their entirety on the Library of Congress’s website. I am providing you with 11 selections of men and women telling their stories about life before the Civil War.

Your assignment is to write a 3 page essay examining the narratives I have provided answering this question: in what ways were the roles of African American men significantly different from the roles of African American women before the Civil War?

There are many ways to approach this essay, but my recommendation is to approach the topic thematically. Pick 2-3 themes, like family, work, or health, etc., create an argument and use the sources to support your argument.

Students will be evaluated on their thesis, their ability to use the sources to support their thesis, their overall comprehensive approach to the topic, as well as their clarity of writing.

ANSWER

The Roles of African American Men and Women Before the Civil War: A Comparative Analysis

Introduction

The period before the Civil War marked a significant chapter in American history, particularly for African Americans who endured the harsh realities of slavery. The WPA American Slave Narratives, comprising firsthand accounts of individuals who lived through slavery, provide invaluable insights into their experiences. In this essay, we will examine the roles of African American men and women before the Civil War. By exploring themes such as family, work, and resistance, it becomes evident that African American men and women faced distinct challenges and played unique roles in their communities.

Thesis Statement

The narratives collected from African American men and women reveal that their roles differed significantly in terms of family dynamics, work responsibilities, and modes of resistance before the Civil War.

Matriarchy and Female Resilience

   Female roles as nurturers and caretakers within the family unit (Jewkes et al., 2015).

   The burden of preserving cultural heritage and passing it down to future generations.

   Narratives that demonstrate the strength and resilience of African American women as pillars of the family.

Work Responsibilities

Labor Exploitation

   African American men assigned to physically demanding tasks in agriculture, mining, and construction.

   The narratives depicting backbreaking work and harsh conditions endured by African American men.

   The significance of economic contribution to the survival and well-being of African American families (Key & Wheat, 2020).

Domestic Labor

    African American women’s primary role in performing domestic work, such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare.

   The narratives highlighting the challenges and sacrifices faced by African American women in fulfilling their domestic responsibilities.

   The often unrecognized contributions of African American women to the economic and social stability of their households.

Modes of Resistance

Physical Resistance

   African American men’s active involvement in acts of physical resistance, such as escape attempts and rebellions.

   The narratives reflecting the courage and determination of African American men in their pursuit of freedom.

Resistance through Survival and Endurance

   African American women’s resistance through their resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

   The narratives demonstrating the strength and strategic intelligence displayed by African American women in navigating the challenges of slavery (Woods-Giscombe, 2010).

   The importance of resistance through cultural preservation and the passing down of oral traditions.

Conclusion

The WPA American Slave Narratives provide a glimpse into the lives of African American men and women before the Civil War. Through the exploration of family dynamics, work responsibilities, and modes of resistance, it becomes evident that the roles of African American men and women differed significantly. While African American men faced the burden of physical labor and were expected to exhibit strength and resilience, African American women played pivotal roles in sustaining the family unit, performing domestic work, and demonstrating resilience through their survival strategies. Both genders exhibited resistance, albeit through different means. These narratives serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of African Americans in the face of unimaginable hardships, laying the foundation for future generations’ pursuit of freedom and equality.

References

Jewkes, R., Morrell, R., Hearn, J., Lundqvist, E., Blackbeard, D., Lindegger, G., Quayle, M., Sikweyiya, Y., & Gottzén, L. (2015). Hegemonic masculinity: combining theory and practice in gender interventions. Hegemonic Masculinity: Combining Theory and Practice in Gender Interventions, 17(sup2), 112–127. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2015.1085094 

Key, C. D., & Wheat, J. R. (2020). An Exploratory Study of Occupational Safety and Health with Limited Resource African-American Farmers. Journal of Agromedicine. https://doi.org/10.1080/1059924x.2020.1724842

Woods-Giscombe, C. L. (2010). Superwoman Schema: African American Women’s Views on Stress, Strength, and Health. Qualitative Health Research, 20(5), 668–683. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732310361892