Why was literacy important to slaves?

Answer 1

Their owners did not want to send them to school which took up work time nor did they want them to be able to read information that antislavery pamphlets would have. They couldn't write to others who were free who might help them escape.

Answer 2

Literacy was important to some slaves because it provided them with a means to learn about their rights and advocate for themselves. It also allowed them to communicate with other slaves and abolitionists, enabling them to organize and work towards their freedom. Additionally, literacy opened up opportunities for personal growth, self-expression, and the ability to document their experiences and perspectives.

Answer 3

If you had ever read Mark Twain's novel, Huckleberry Finn, you would understand. Much of the story concerned Jim, the black slave, trying to figure out how to obtain his freedom. In the final chapter, a woman sat down and wrote A Writ of Manumission. She had her friend sign it. They took it to the sheriff and Jim was a free man.

Answer 4

Slave owners did NOT teach their slaves to read and write. It was against the law. Besides, slaves were property.