Female Slaves & Freedom
What were some key challenges faced by enslaved women after the abolishment of slavery?
They faced difficulties securing employment, gendered discrimination, and navigating family reunification under strained conditions.
According to Claudine “Candy” Taafee, what is the significance of reimagining Black girlhood?
It creates space for recognizing Black girls’ agency, joy, and resistance beyond stereotypes and societal constraints.
What term describes the systematic use of Black women’s bodies for labor and reproduction during slavery?
Exploitation
In what ways did plantation wives contribute to the oppression of female slaves?
Plantation wives upheld racial hierarchies, disciplined slaves, and perpetuated domestic exploitation.
What role does imagination play in the liberation of Black girls, as discussed in Taafee’s meditation?
Imagination allows Black girls to envision alternative futures and reframe narratives of their lives.
What is the term for the transition period from bondage to autonomy experienced by former enslaved women?
Emancipation
How did enslaved women assert freedom during the transition from slavery to emancipation?
They resisted sexual violence, fought for economic independence, and sought family reunification as acts of self-determination.
How does The Black Girlhood Studies Collection challenge traditional narratives about Black youth?
It emphasizes the diversity of Black girlhood experiences and explores how they navigate systemic oppression with creativity and resilience.
What word captures the strength and resilience shown by enslaved women in the face of oppression?
Resistance