Family life was extremely difficult for the African-Americans during slavery. Slave marriages were not legal in the eyes of the legal system of the states or the nation. For this reason, slaves could be sold to other plantations, leaving their wives and children behind. Sometimes slave children were sold to other plantations, causing, even more, pain and emotional distress. It was not uncommon for slave owners or plantation overseers to force slave women into romantic relationships even if they were married.
Economically, the slave could not own property and was not paid for their efforts on the plantation. The man of the house could not provide for his family, he was at the mercy of his owner to provide housing and food. These accommodations were not nearly enough for African-Americans to feel comfortable or happy. As a result of all of this turmoil, African-Americans grew a sense of kinship and community with one another. They took care of one another even if they were not related by blood.
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