Sooncy 8 year old Sooncy Taylor is brought to America as a slave. Her story of immigration is told here.

Copyright NY Life Slavery in America Immigrants to America Some of the first Africans to come to America were brought over as indentured servants. Most Africans were sold as slaves and were brought to America on slave ships. Copyright NY Life Slavery in America

Profile - Africa From the 1500’s to the mid 1800’s, Europeans shipped 10 million slaves to the new world to provide slave labor on sugar and cotton plantations. Most slaves could not read or write. Slaves had few rights, and were not allowed to carry weapons, travel without permission, or lead a free life. Africans left their land in chains and were forced to come to America.

Copyright PBS Africans in America Coming to America African slaves did not come through Ellis Island. African slaves were sold at ports of entry to plantation owners. Many families were separated, never to be seen again. Slave codes in America allowed plantation owners to buy and sell slaves as they would any other property. Copyright PBS Africans in America

Copyright New York Life Slavery in America A New World Most male slaves worked on plantations and farms as field hands. Most female slaves worked in the fields or did household chores for the owners. Slaves were not allowed to read or write. A small number of slaves earned their freedom, but became a part of the lower class. Copyright New York Life Slavery in America