Topic: SLAVE TRADITIONS AND RELIGIONS: AN INSTITUTION CREATED WITHIN THE SLAVE COMMUNITY

Grade level: High school

Time: one class period

Objectives: To know and understand that the traditions of slaves were the direct results of slave laws and theories, and that their religious practices were a release from their daily struggles even though the masters used the Bible as a means to control the slaves, psychologically and with physical force.

Set: The Fifth Amendment in the "Bill of Rights" banned slavery long before the Civil War. It says, "No person shall be...deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law." Explain how Amendment Five was circumvented by theory and law in order to keep the institution of slavery, forcing the slaves to create the world within a world. Discuss various traditions and institutions within the slave communities and how they helped to provide inner strength for all the slaves within the slave communities. For instance, "jumping the broomstick," and other ways that the slaves became known as a married couple. Explain why the slaves were emotional in their religious services and that they were able to move into a spiritual comfort zone through their experiences of "dancing, shouting, and worship." Explain how these factors were used as a form of control by the masters, using the Bible as a means of leverage.

Materials: Negro Slavery in Arkansas, Orville W. Taylor, 1958/1986. Chapter X and XI, "Readin', Rightin', Religion, Jumping the Broomstick," pages 168-202.
Slavery in American South, Dr. Jeannie M. Whayne 2001. Chapter XI, "Masters and Slaves-the Slave Community," pages 73-83.

Activities: Engage the students in a discussion on the following question:

What are traditions? Have you ever wondered where many of the traditions of the slaves came from? Can we assume that it was really necessary for the slaves to build their own particular traditions? If so, what would make such a factor as traditions important in the lives of slaves? Did traditions tie into their religious practices?

Closure: Have the students make a T-chart with causes and effects of social control of the slaves. Discuss how this lifestyle is still affecting lifestyles and ideas in the modern world.

This lesson can be extended to colorful clothing, etc.

By Madelyn Shields