A Slave Story: From Africa to Charleston

Gr 4–8—This portrayal of slavery in South Carolina blends history, dramatization, sound effects, and music. It opens with production information and a statement of purpose found more typically at the end of a recording, and is followed by a theme song of sorts. On track three, the story begins in earnest with a first-person account by 10-year-old schoolgirl Simone about what she has learned from her teacher about slavery, pointing out common historical inaccuracies regarding the lives of enslaved people. The quick history lesson transitions to another first-person narrative. Fictional slave Amadu, who was captured in Africa by slave hunters, taken to South Carolina, and sold to a plantation owner, discloses her story. Her affecting and well-told tale, with background sound effects of the tortuous sea journey, clanking shackles, moaning prisoners, and the sounds of a slave auction, is punctuated at several junctures with appropriately themed verses sung by a gospel choir. The pairing of Amadu's story with contemporary gospel music is inspired and moving. However, Simone's narrative and the more modern rap music selections detract from the focus of the program. While the goal of the CD and its non-profit producer is laudable, the disjointed approach might make it difficult to find an appropriate audience. South Carolinians may find value in its concentration on their history.—Lisa Taylor, Ocean County Library, NJ