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

"Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States" is a historical account compiled by the Federal Writers' Project during the late 1930s. The work consists of firsthand accounts and interviews with former enslaved individuals, primarily focusing on their experiences, memories, and perspectives on plantation life and the institution of slavery in the United States. This rich oral history sheds light on the complexities of life as a slave, illustrating both the harsh realities and the personal narrations of those who lived through it. At the start of the narratives, we are introduced to several interviewees whose recollections offer vivid depictions of their lives on plantations in Georgia. For instance, Jennie Kendricks remembers her childhood on a cotton plantation, illustrating the family dynamics within slavery, daily routines, and the occasional kindnesses from their owners. Other narratives include various accounts of food, clothing, living conditions, the roles of masters, and the celebrations that marked community life, as well as a troubling acknowledgment of the violence and restrictions imposed by overseers and the system. Through these interviews, the opening portion effectively sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the multifaceted experiences of enslaved people. (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.