Question

fundamental part of american society

• oral traditions: plantation owners prohibited enslaved people from

learning to read and write to prevent them from communicating and
organizing in secret, or from documenting their stories and preserving
their culture. this made word of mouth and storytelling essential for
enslaved people to pass down their culture, histories, stories, and
customs. storytelling, music, and dance served as both emotional outlets
and cultural preservation tools.

• the separation of families and spread of slavery throughout the

colonies contributed to the blending and spread of african cultures
across america.

• covert traditions: traditional african religions were suppressed in the

colonies, and enslaved africans were forced to convert to christianity.
however, many continued to practice their religions in secret or
combined elements of their traditions with christian worship, creating
new religious practices.
why were enslaved africans typically not allowed to read
or write?
plantation owners of the day were also largely unable to read and
write.
plantation owners banned them from reading to stop them from
communicating.
plantation owners believed it was unnecessary for labor.

Explanation:

To answer the question, we analyze the options:

• The first option is incorrect as there's no indication plantation owners were unable to read/write.
• The second option aligns with the text: "Plantation owners prohibited enslaved people from learning to read and write to prevent them from communicating and organizing in secret...", so it's correct.
• The third option is incorrect as the text focuses on preventing communication/organization, not labor necessity.

Answer:

B. Plantation owners banned them from reading to stop them from communicating. (Note: Assuming the middle option is labeled B; adjust identifier if needed based on actual option numbering, but the content matches the explanation.)