Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves, Volume II, Arkansas Narratives, Part 3

"Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves" is a historical account written in the late 1930s. This work is a compilation of firsthand interviews conducted by the Federal Writers' Project, capturing the voices of former enslaved individuals across the United States. The book aims to provide authentic perspectives on the experiences of enslaved people and their lives post-emancipation, highlighting their struggles, hopes, and the broader socio-economic context of the time. At the start of the work, the opening narratives introduce several interviewees who recall their experiences of slavery, family dynamics, and the transition to freedom. One interview with Charlie Gadson recounts his childhood in South Carolina under the gaze of various owners, noting how the announcement of freedom came as a shock. Others, like Dr. D.B. Gaines, reflect on their parents' experiences, while stories vary from the reminiscences of individuals who faced relatively gentle treatment to those who recount harsher realities. The opening snapshots blend personal stories with historical context, indicating the diversity in experiences among African Americans during and after slavery, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of resilience and change in a post-slavery society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Works Progress Administration was an American New Deal agency that employed millions of jobseekers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads. It was set up on May 6, 1935, by presidential order, as a key part of the Second New Deal.