Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves, Volume XI, North Carolina Narratives, Part 2

"Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves" is a historical account compiled by the Federal Writers' Project during the late 1930s. This collection comprises firsthand testimonies from former slaves, vividly recounting their experiences and memories from the antebellum period through the Reconstruction era. The narratives provide a rich, personal insight into the lives, struggles, and resilience of enslaved individuals across the southern United States. The opening portion of this work introduces several key informants who share their stories, such as John H. Jackson, Ben Johnson, and Isaac Johnson. These interviews capture their recollections of life under slavery, experiences during the Civil War, and their perspectives on freedom after emancipation. Uncle Jackson reminisces about his childhood, describing the relatives and skilled enslaved artisans he knew, while Uncle Ben recalls a painful moment of separation from his brother. Isaac shares details of his upbringing and the plantation system, illustrating a varied tapestry of life experiences amid older customs and changing societal conditions. The narratives combine personal anecdotes with broader historical context, highlighting not only the hardships but also the moments of joy and community shared among enslaved individuals.