Question 1

Why does Stevenson stress the importance of historians creating our own archives when studying the history of enslaved families?

Answer

To incorporate a wide and inclusive range of sources, including material culture and oral traditions, that capture the voices and experiences of enslaved people.

To replace traditional historical records entirely with oral histories and folklore.

To challenge the validity of all existing historical archives and documents related to slavery.

To prevent the loss of economic data related to slavery in official plantation records.