The Freedmen's Book

Lydia Maria Child, an American abolitionist, compiled this collection of short stories and poems by former slaves and noted activists as an inspiration to freed slaves. In her dedication to the freedmen, she urges those who can read, to read these stories aloud to others to share the strength and courage of and accomplishments of colored men and women. In that spirit, this recording aims to gives that voice a permanent record. (Summary by Rhonda Federman)