Hard Labor: The First African Americans, 1619 facts for kids
 |
|
| Author | Patricia McKissack, Fredrick McKissack |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Joseph Daniel Fiedler |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Children's literature, United States history, African-American history |
| Published | 2004 (Aladdin Paperbacks) |
| Media type | Print paperback) |
| Pages | 68 |
| ISBN | 9780689861499 |
| OCLC | 824278600 |
Hard Labor: The First African Americans, 1619 is an important book from 2004. It was written by Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack. This book tells the story of the very first Africans who arrived in America in the year 1619. It helps young readers understand a key moment in American history.
Contents
The Story of Hard Labor
The book Hard Labor explores the lives of the first Africans brought to the English colony of Virginia. It focuses on their journey and their early experiences in a new land. The story helps us imagine what life was like for these individuals. It shows how they worked hard and contributed to the growth of the early American colonies.
Who Were the First Africans in America?
In August 1619, a ship called the White Lion arrived at Point Comfort in Virginia. On board were about 20 to 30 Africans. They had been taken from their homes in Angola, Africa. These individuals were the first Africans to arrive in the English colonies that would later become the United States.
Life in Early Virginia
When these first Africans arrived, they were treated much like indentured servants. This meant they worked for a set number of years to pay off a debt. After their time was up, they could gain their freedom. They worked alongside English and Irish indentured servants. Together, they helped build the new colony. They often worked on tobacco farms, which was a very important crop at the time.
From Indentured Servitude to Slavery
The arrival of Africans in 1619 marked the beginning of a complex period in American history. Initially, some Africans were able to gain their freedom. However, over time, laws began to change. These changes slowly led to the system of slavery.
What is Indentured Servitude?
Indentured servitude was a common way for people to come to America. A person would agree to work for someone else for a certain number of years. In return, their trip to America was paid for. They also received food, housing, and clothing. Once their contract ended, they were free. They might even receive land or tools to start their own lives.
The Shift to Slavery
The status of Africans in the colonies gradually changed. By the late 1600s, laws were passed that made slavery legal. This meant that Africans and their children became enslaved for life. This was a major shift from indentured servitude. It created a system where people were owned as property. This system lasted for many years and had a huge impact on American society.
About the Authors
Hard Labor: The First African Americans, 1619 was written by Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack. They were a husband-and-wife team. They were well-known for writing many books for children and young adults. Their books often focused on African American history and culture. They wanted to share important stories from the past with young readers. They won many awards for their work.
Why This Book Matters
This book is important because it tells a vital part of American history. It helps young people understand the origins of African American presence in the United States. It also highlights the journey from freedom to forced labor. By reading this book, kids can learn about the challenges faced by the first Africans. They can also appreciate their contributions to the early development of America. It encourages readers to think about fairness and freedom.
