Black slaves and white plantation owners --

AI Overview Learn more Love stories between Black slaves and white plantation owners were often forbidden and difficult, but they did happen. These relationships were often exposed by pregnancy. Examples of love stories Thomas Wright and Sylvia Wright, a wealthy landowner in Virginia, lived with his slave Sylvia in the late 1770s. They never married, but Wright freed Sylvia's children and provided for them financially. Ralph Quarles and Lucy Langston Quarles, a wealthy Virginia plantation owner, had four children with Langston, a Black woman who became his slave. Quarles emancipated Langston and their children, and provided for them financially.

Mr. Ramey and Ms. Simkins

Mr. Ramey was born into a prominent white family, and Ms. Simkins was born into slavery. Their relationship survived war and family resentment. Miles and Eliza Miles and Eliza found their way back to each other after the war. They lived together, but faced difficulties.

Books about these relationships

Wench By Dolen Perkins Valdez, this book explores the taboo relationships between slaves and their masters.

The Secret Life of Bacon Tait By Hank Trent, this book tells the story of Bacon Tait, a white slave trader who was married to a free Black woman.

Factors that affected these relationships Legal restrictions: Interracial marriage was illegal in many states, including Virginia.

Social expectations: White women were expected to be chaste and virtuous, so their relationships with Black men went against social norms. Violence: Enslaved women had little ability to avoid sexual violence from white men, which led to many mixed-race children.

The Secret Life of Bacon Tait, a White Slave Trader Married to ... by Hank Trent. 224 Pages / 5.50 x 8.50 x 0.50 in. Hardcover. 9780807165218. Published: March 2017. $40.00. 9780807165232. Publishe... LSU Press