Surviving slavery

People may not have survived the hard labor and the violence, the domination, and the degradation of slavery had they not found ways of nurturing their spirits. Most enslaved people did not escape or engage in active rebellion; instead, they focused on living their lives, resisting when they could, exerting individual agency when possible. ‘Surviving slavery’ describes the life in enslaved communities where black people formed bonds with one another and created practices, beliefs, and rituals, all of which provided them respite and enjoyment, and helped them to survive their captivity. Many turned to Christianity, rejecting their owners' interpretation, but believing that they would be delivered from slavery.

Agency (philosophy) · Archaeology · Captivity · Christianity · Interpretation (philosophy) · Respite care · Social science · Sociology · Colonialism, slavery, and trade · Gender Studies · Global Maritime and Colonial Histories · History · Philosophy