... sang about the sorrows that they dared not express. Frederick Douglass aptly wrote, "The singing of a man cast away on a desolate island might be as appropriately considered an evidence of his contentment and happiness, as the singing of a slave. Sorrow and desolation have their songs, as well as joy and peace." (The Narrative of Frederick Douglass, p.99-100) In conclusion, life for the African-Americans in the period from 1619 ... -1860 was full of oppression and prejudice. Forced from their homeland, they were stripped of their freedom and culture. One wonders ... ...

• Word Count: 1117
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School