Identities That Were Impacted From The Transatlantic Slave Trade

John Newton: from slave-trader to priest Born in England in 1745, son of a shipmaster, he experienced many years at sea. He was once a slave to a West African Duchess, and transported slaves along the slave route. He later became converted to Christianity, and eventually became an abolitionist. http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=9676383

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me.... I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see. T'was Grace that taught... my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear... the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares... we have already come. T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far... and Grace will lead us home. The Lord has promised good to me... His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be... as long as life endures. When we've been here ten thousand years... bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise... then when we've first begun. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me.... I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.

Amazing Grace “Custom, example, and interest had blinded my eyes.” I should have been overwhelmed with distress and terror if I had known or even suspected that I was acting wrongly.” What impact did the slave trade have on John Newton? His identity?

The Planter’s Son 12 year old J.B. Romaigne traveled on La Rodeur from France to Africa then to the West Indies in 1819 What viewpoint would a 12 year old boy have about slavery? “I have become more accustomed to the howling of these negroes. At first it alarmed me, and I could not sleep.” “The Captain says if they behave well they will be better off at Guadeloupe; and I am sure, I wish the ignorant creatures would come quietly and have it over.” Has his viewpoint changed from one statement to the next? Who did he first identify with? Later?

Revolt: Lasting Impression 3 shot and 3 hung before the eyes of their comrades “Last night, I could not sleep, cold sweats broke out over my body. I thought the six negroes were passing to and fro through the cabin, and looking in at the door of the Captain’s stateroom. The Captain I could hear was sound asleep, and this made me more afraid. At last I began to pray so loud, that I awoke him, and he asked me, what was the matter. ‘I am saying my prayers’, said I. ‘That is a good boy.,’ replied he, and, within an instant he was as sound asleep as before.” Different impression than from beginning of voyage? Will it leave a lasting impression on him? Who were the “victors” here, if any?

Richard Drake Revelations of a Slave Smuggler “The Guinea Captain” “Lives there a savage ruder than the slave? Cruel as death, insatiate as the grave, False as the winds that round his vessel blow, Remorseless as the gulf that round his vessel go, Is he who toils upon the wafting flood, A Christian broker in the trade of blood!”… Was Richard Drake identifying with anyone?

Rachel- “In Their Own Words: Voices from the Middle Passage” Conditions on a slave ship: What positive impact could it pose for the Africans? Create an identity? “ Although we were from different clans and spoke different languages, our common, deplorable conditions down in the hold link us to a sense of community, although tenuous and momentarily.”

Uncle Tom's Story of His Life: An Autobiography of the Rev Uncle Tom's Story of His Life: An Autobiography of the Rev. Josiah Henson Previous to this affair my father, from all I can learn, had been a good- humored and light- hearted man, the ringleader in all fun at corn- huskings and Christmas buffoonery. His banjo was the life of the farm, and all night long at a merry- making would he play on it while the other Negroes danced. But from this hour he became utterly changed. Sullen, morose, and dogged, nothing could be done with him. The milk of human kindness in his heart was turned to gall.

Identity influences? What changes did you notice? Any identities formed through experiences?