In this fresh look at liberty and freedom in the Revolutionary era from the perspective of black Americans; Woody Holton recounts the experiences of slaves who seized freedom by joining the British as well as those — slave and free — who served in Patriot military forces. Holton’s introduction examines the conditions of black American life on the eve of colonial independence and the ways in which Revolutionary rhetoric about liberty provided African Americans with the language and inspiration for advancing their cause. Despite the rhetoric; however; most black Americans remained enslaved after the Revolution. The introduction outlines ways African Americans influenced the course of the Revolution and continued to be affected by its aftermath. Amplifying these themes are nearly forty documents — including personal narratives; petitions; letters; poems; advertisements; pension applications; and images — that testify to the diverse goals and actions of African Americans during the Revolutionary era. Document headnotes and annotations; a chronology; questions for consideration; a selected bibliography; and index offer additional pedagogical support.
#680919 in Books Francis Bok Edward Tivnan Conrad Allen 2004-10-04 2004-09-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.26 x .86 x 5.82l; .65 #File Name: 0312306245304 pagesEscape from Slavery The True Story of My Ten Years in Captivity and My Journey to Freedom in America
Review
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. wonderful accountBy KBMFrances Bok lived through what so many of us don't even know still exists. Brought up in rural Sudan; his village was raided; most of the adults killed; and most of the children taken into slavery. Frances was 7 when this happened and forced to live through horror after horror without any kindness; any love; without any affection.Frances saw adults and children brutally murdered and it was clear to him that fighting back would cause him to also be one of the casualties.Frances was kept in a barn; given scraps of food to eat; refused any kindness. Even the children of his captor were horrible to him. What kept Frances going was the love that had been given to him before captivity and the belief that some of his family may have survived. Indeed; there is a bittersweet ending to Bok's story.Frances; gratefully and amazingly; does escape and live to share his memoir. When I read this book last year; I participated on a message board. I tried to share this book with educated people who adamantly refused to recognize that this story isn't all that unusual. This is STILL happening today. The perpetrators of these crimes are from a culture that devalues those that are different. Slavery; genital mutilation; abuse to women; honor killings. . . it seems as if; although we hear of these stories on a daily basis; we are still reluctant to characterize the culture as faulty. And; so it continues.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A shocking but thoroughly worthwhile read. Jennifer Parks.NZ.By CustomerI couldn't put this book down....an unbeleveable; yet true account of one Sudanese child victim of a regime of total hate and barbarianism; yet through this unthinkable horror; emerges triumphant.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An important book to read but it left room for ...By P.C.An important book to read but it left room for improvement. The first approximately one third of the book was very informative; touching; and an inspiring snapshot of the strength and power of the human spirit. Not to mention the cruelty man can inflict on his fellow man. Yes; evil still exists in this world. The approximately 2/3 of the last portion of the book was a let down; slow moving and extremely repetitive . I found myself speed reading just portions of pages and skipping many completely.
