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FREE IN THOUGHT, FETTERED IN ACTION: ENSLAVED ADOLESCENT FEMALES IN THE SLAVE SOUTH By COURTNEY A. MOORE A DISSERTATION PRESENTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 2010 1 © 2010 Courtney A. Moore 2 To my parents, Brenda W. Moore and George Moore, my first teachers, and my wonderful family in North Carolina and Florida, my amazing village 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Throughout the course of this process I have received the support of countless individuals who have tirelessly given of themselves to make my dream a reality. Professionally, many teachers and professors have shaped my intellectual growth, equipping me with the skills and confidence needed to excel academically. I would like to thank the faculty and staff at Southwood Elementary, Central Davidson Middle and Central Davidson High Schools, especially Ms. Dorothy Talbert. Since elementary school Ms. Talbert encouraged me to conquer my fears and move toward the wonderful opportunities life held, even up to her untimely passing this year she was a constant source of encouragement and cheer. I am also indebted to the Department of History at North Carolina Central University, specifically Drs. Carlton Wilson, Lydia Lindsey and Freddie Parker. Observing these amazing scholars, I learned professionalism, witnessed student-centered teaching at its best, and had the embers of my love for history erupt into an unquenchable fire as I learned of black men and women who impacted the world. My sincerest gratitude to the History Department and African American Studies Program faculty and staff at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Dr. Paula McGhee Underwood introduced me to individuals who provided amazing opportunities that I would not have been afforded. Among those included meeting Dr. N. Frank Woods and Mrs. Adrienne W. Middlebrooks, my “AFS family.” The employment opportunities, the invaluable life lessons and most of all the genuine love and friendship given bespeak their wonderful characters. Pat Bowden and Marguerite Howell were of great assistance while at UNCG as well and I extend my heartfelt appreciation to them also. The History Department faculty at the University of Florida, assisted by their wonderful staff, pushed me intellectually as I moved toward achieving my Doctorate. Special thanks to my dissertation committee, Dr. J. Matthew Gallman, Dr. Jon Sensbach, Dr. Susan O’Brien and Dr. 4 Stephanie Evans. Each professor was amazing, broadening my concept of the historical past. Their feedback to this project has helped to create a solid work that adds an overlooked group of women to the historical dialogue and pays homage to them as well. A very special thanks to my committee chair, Dr. William A. Link. Since my first encounter with Dr. Link ten years ago at UNCG, he has been a source of professional inspiration and support. His unwavering belief in the merits of this project, my ability to tackle such a feat, the feedback offered during my graduate career, and the financial support provided through Milbauer funding enabled this work to come to fruition. I am forever indebted to him. Personally, I have been blessed with a wonderful family, friends, and church members all of whom have loved and supported me during the course of my life and throughout this process. I pay respect to those loved ones who began this journey with me but have been called from labor unto rest. As a child, my grandfather, Mr. James M. Winston, believed I would be a teacher, a declaration he spoke daily to all who would listen. For his belief in me, and his other grandchildren, as well as his conviction regarding the importance of reading, I am indeed grateful. The love, prayers and selflessness of the Winston family matriarch, Mrs. Katherine H. Winston, left an indelible impression on my life and continues to guide me. Her faith, and admonishment to continue to press forward no matter the difficulty, because, as she put it, “it ain’t always gonna to be like this,” echoed in my ears on countless days and though she is no longer with us there is not a day that goes by that I do not recall her laughter, the countless tears of joy and sorrow she shed or the magnificent moments we spent together. Mrs. Lucille M. Jackson, my paternal grandmother, was a source of great inspiration as well. Though she was not afforded the same educational opportunities her life influenced my decision to ascend to the highest educational goals possible. As a young girl she always made me feel special, as if I were 5 the best in the world, that sense of self-worth made me believe that anything was indeed possible. Other relatives whom I am deeply indebted to include my great-grandmother, Mrs. Minnie A. Hargrave, aunts and uncles, Mrs. Shirley W. Williams, Mrs. Annie W. Crooks, Mr. Samuel Hargrave, Mrs. Helen Greene, Ms. Emma Harris and my cousin Mrs. Kathy W. Spann. I know that each of them is rejoicing with me in spirit. In a world in which friends are difficult to find and personal loyalties are almost non- existent, I was blessed to meet a woman who has proven to be a friend in both word and deed. Mrs. Marie Griggs’ friendship grounded me on countless days and restored my faith not only in myself but most importantly in my Lord and Savior; I will never forget the long distance “therapy sessions,” and I am positive that many more lie ahead in the years to come. A heartfelt thank you is extended to First Baptist Church of Southmont. I am forever indebted to that church that sits off of Highway 8 with the wooden floors, the teachings instilled by our pastor, the late Reverend John G. Gaston, and the support rendered by the members as I came of age in that ministry revived my spirit on the days all seemed hopeless and stilled my soul when it was anxious with the cares of this world. No matter where life leads me, First Baptist will forever be home. My sincerest appreciation to the Winston family, there are truly no words to express how much I love each of them, how grateful I am for all they have done and how proud I am to be a part of such an amazing family. My forty plus cousins, and their spouses, are simply amazing. My prayer is that God will bless them one hundredfold and grant them the desires of their hearts. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my uncles and aunts, Mr. Clinton and Mrs. Peggy Winston, Dr. Harold and Mrs. Doretha W. Mitchell, Mr. Curtis and Mrs. Betty W. Griffin and Mr. Bobby G. Winston. They each model the true essence of family, the love and support 6 provided as well as the untold financial assistance has not gone unnoticed. My prayer is that I can be of help to them in the future as they have been to me throughout my life. My sincerest gratitude is extended to Ms. Cynthia D. Taylor as well. From the first moment I met her, she has been nothing but kind. She graciously embraced me and welcomed me into her family and her heart, for that I am deeply moved and forever grateful. I am also deeply appreciative of my nephew and niece, Christopher D. Bennett and Shamya Wesson; since June 2004 when I came to Gainesville searching for an apartment they were there offering a warm smile and their childlike joy. Though they are older, they both continue to hold a special place in my heart. My siblings, Ila, Byron, and Chalice, are special, and I cherish the great memories I have with them. Missy, “my prisoner of hope,” is a fantastic big sister. Though she took full advantage of her age and size as we were growing up she has more than made up for it as we have traveled this journey called life. I find myself often struck by her adventurous spirit, unwavering faith, and her selflessness, indeed she is a wonder, and I look forward to celebrating all the wonderful blessings that God has in store for her. Byron, a man of few words, but who demonstrates his love and pride in his sisters not only through his kind acts but also through the way he boasts of our accomplishments to his friends. I am proud of the man that he is and I thank him for always being there. Chalice is the best little sister. In her eyes, I was always the best, and because she so earnestly believed that, a part of me worked hard so I would not let her down. I am so proud of her, and know that I too am “wishing.” The sacrifices they each have made, too numerous to relay, cause me to love them each more. A special thank you to my father Mr. George Moore; I find it to be an understatement when I say, “there is only one George Moore.” Though, I learned lessons of a different type then 7 most girls learn from their fathers I am grateful nonetheless. Because of him I love to laugh (loud and hard), I can manicure a lawn, I dabble at gardening, I understand a mechanic when he provides basic diagnostic reports and I know the difference between a busted radiator hose and just a pressure leak. I also learned early on the significance of school, and the value of a good education. For that and so much more I say thank you and I love you.