Literacy Facts about the Enslaved

In 1870, 20% of the entire adult population was illiterate, and 80% of the black population was illiterate.

Some enslaved Africans were taught reading skills through learning to read the Bible.

The education of enslaved, except for religious instruction, was discouraged, and eventually made illegal in most of the Southern states

According to slave owners “an educated enslaved person was a dangerous person.”

"Teaching slaves to read and write, tends to excite dissatisfaction in their minds, and to produce insurrection and rebellion.“