Frank Harris lll - They Came Across the Water

The transcript is a poetic reflection on the journey of enslaved Africans to America, divided into three passages: the first passage, the middle passage, and the final passage. It highlights the suffering, loss, and dehumanization experienced by the enslaved, as well as the ongoing impact of this history. The poem emphasizes the namelessness and forgotten identities of those who endured this journey, while critiquing the hypocrisy of those who enslaved them.

What is the primary focus of the poem's introduction?

• The economic impact of slavery

• The abolition of slavery

• The memory of the first enslaved Africans brought to America

• The celebration of African culture

What does the term 'precious black cargo' refer to in the context of the poem?

• Valuable goods traded by Europeans

• The enslaved Africans transported across the ocean

• The ships used for the transatlantic journey

• The treasures found in Africa

Which of the following best describes the conditions during the middle passage?

• Comfortable and safe

• Challenging but manageable

• Luxurious and pleasant

• Brutal and inhumane

How does the poem describe the actions of those who transported the enslaved Africans?

• As indifferent and neutral

• As godless and hypocritical

• As benevolent and kind

• As godly and righteous

What is the poem's perspective on the legacy of slavery in America?

• It left a lasting impact and continued horror

• It was a minor historical event

• It enriched the nation without consequences

• It was quickly forgotten