Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves, Volume II, Arkansas Narratives, Part 7

"Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves" is a historical account compiled by the Federal Writers' Project during the late 1930s. This collection, specifically focused on narratives from former slaves in Arkansas, provides firsthand accounts of their lives, experiences during slavery, and reflections on freedom. The volume seeks to document their stories, capturing a vital aspect of American history through the voices of those who lived it. At the start of the volume, we are introduced to various informants, each sharing different facets of their lives as enslaved individuals. For instance, Charlie Vaden recalls his family's struggles and experiences, including his father's flight to war and his own journey through life after slavery, filled with marriages and personal hardships. Ellen Vaden reflects on the reality of living in a community impacted by the Ku Klux Klan, while Nettie Van Buren shares memories of her mother’s life as a slave. The interviews juxtapose personal anecdotes with broader historical themes, illustrating a complex tapestry of resilience, cultural heritage, and the challenges faced in the post-slavery era. Each narrative provides insight into the individual characters of former slaves, their familial bonds, and their adaptation to life after the Civil War. (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.