Bullwhip Days: The Slaves Remember, edited by James Mellon

Synopsis: An annotated “compendium” of oral slave memories.

Writing Style:  Direct. Edited to ‘pick up’ the narrator’s cadence. 

Pacing: Fast.

Personal Highlights: This collection of ex-slave narratives captures more than “29” full narrations relaying (just prior to emancipation) how the slave business operated. More than tactfully edited accounts recounting how slaves were bred… the cow-hide whippings, being forbidden to read or write, and how many were forced to believe they were less than animals is a whirlwind of insight. As one ex-slave ‘Charlie Moses’ put it when interviewed, “when I gits to thinking on them slavery days I feel like rasin’ out this here bed and tellin’ ever’body ‘bout the harsh treatment us colored folk was given when we was owned by poor quality folk.”

For those who were “happy in slavery,” they didn’t know “masters lak’ others had.” There were memories of living in Africa… and the recall of the general (and natural) good health of black slaves. Many described the food they ate and medical practices they performed on themselves. Some had owners who saw them as more than property,  and allowed them to read and write, and taught them the business of farming. Slaves could build anything from homes, furniture and tools, to shoes, bedding, clothes and such. There wasn’t much on resistance, (this being during the Reconstruction period), unlike the quite interesting…and sizable digest from those opposed to emancipation. Must read the reason!

It’s just so much in here, leaning into two major magnetic takeaways. 1) The ‘moldy blueberry’ analogy one former slave shined light on—Prophetic! …And 2) The stark contrast between classes inheriting legacies surrounding (todays) branded institutions, and those inheriting the residuals from memories passed down in books like ‘Bullwhip Days.’ Overall, poignant storytelling and sharp pacing. A Must Read. Highly recommended. Read Copyright 1988 paperback edition.