Understanding the Life of Enslaved African-Americans

How were enslaved people's families affected by auctions?

• Families were often separated

• Families were usually kept together

• Children were not sold at auctions

• Auctions were rare events

What was a common punishment feared by enslaved people during cotton harvest?

• Being sold at an auction

• Punishment for not picking enough cotton

• Being sent to work in the house

• Loss of food rations

What did the 'drinking gourd' refer to in the songs of enslaved people?

• The Big Dipper constellation

• A code for water sources

• A secret meeting place

• A type of song

What was the role of the Underground Railroad?

• A network of safe houses for runaway enslaved people

• A real railroad operated by enslaved people

• A system of tunnels under plantations

• A code name for abolitionist newspapers

What was the primary purpose of the songs sung by enslaved people while working?

• To entertain the plantation owners

• To celebrate their African heritage

• To make the hard labor more bearable

• To communicate secret messages