Bound in Wedlock: Slave and Free Black Marriage in the Nineteenth Century
Bound in Wedlock offers a compelling look at the marriages of enslaved and free Black people in nineteenth-century America. Tera W. Hunter uncovers the legal and social obstacles these couples faced, from the instability of slave unions to the discriminatory challenges for free families, showcasing their remarkable perseverance and the vital role of marriage in Black life.
About This Book
Bound in Wedlock examines the institution of marriage for both enslaved and free Black people during the nineteenth century in the United States. It delves into how these unions were shaped by the harsh realities of slavery and the quest for autonomy in freedom.
The book highlights the legal barriers that prevented enslaved individuals from formalizing their relationships, often forcing them to rely on informal commitments that were vulnerable to disruption by slaveholders.
For free Black communities, marriage represented a hard-won right, yet it was continually threatened by racial discrimination and societal prejudices that undermined family stability.
Through historical analysis, the work reveals the enduring strength and cultural significance of Black marital bonds in the face of adversity.
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