1. The Portrait of Slavery
Slave Narrative
The Portrait of Slavery

3. Between 1500 and 1800, about 15 million Africans were captured and shipped as slaves to the Western Hemisphere. Approximately 2 million died before reaching their destination.

6. Often pairs of adults were chained together at the ankles and wrists
Often pairs of adults were chained together at the ankles and wrists. The shackles were removed only when one of the pair became very sick or died.

15. Slaves were at constant risk of losing members of their family
Slaves were at constant risk of losing members of their family. An owner could sell “his property” at any time for profit, to pay debts or as a punishment.

19. Without the power to punish, bondage could not have existed
Without the power to punish, bondage could not have existed. -Kenneth Stampp

21. The life of a slave was ruled by terror
The life of a slave was ruled by terror. Non-compliant and compliant slaves alike were whipped and brutalized on a frequent basis.

25. Because slaves were property, it was not uncommon for female slaves to be raped by their owners, members of the owner’s family or the owner’s friends.

27. Slaves who attempted escape were often maimed or killed.

30. Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. -Abraham Lincoln

34. Death is better than slavery. -Harriet Jacobs