A Day in the Life of an Enslaved Lady's Maid | These Roots Episode 1 

I love how there's no euphemisms here. Enslavers are enslavers and deserve to be called such.

“She made clothes she could never wear, and made makeup she could never put on.” 😩 I cannot imagine the damage to a humans psyche this treatment has done.

I didn't know that enslavers would talk about their worries to their slaves, but the slaves couldn't talk about their worries back. I always assumed all of the labor to be physical, not emotional. I'm over here like "damn they had to be therapists too?!" 😭

I have to say, seeing these scenes acted out in front of us as an audience raises questions I’ve never thought to ask before. The dynamics of these relationships must have been so insanely complex within the context of a horrifying system of subjugation.

There's something so bizarre and demoralizing about expecting an enslaved person to act like your friend (therapist?) and also do work to literally make the person who enslaved them look good.

I never understood how people could claim that enslavers were kind and formed friendships with their slaves.... Then why didn't you free them and fight for the abolishment of slavery?

I love the fact that this is acted out. It makes the information hit harder. If you watched it on mute, they almost seem like friends, but when you put it with the information it really hits the guts. The understanding that even under the best circumstances, the enslaved was living on eggshells. Amazing and well done. Thank you so much for this

I hope Mrs. Fick is up in heaven and relaxing! I hope she at least had some joy in her life.

I had never heard "enslaved persons" used before, only "slaves". I'm glad to learn this term!

The way that the cook avoids eye contact while suggesting where to source eggs breaks my heart.

The fact that this was their toil without any foreseeable end is just so overwhelming. No future, no end in sight, no escape.

I really like how you call people 'enslaved persons' not 'slaves', and the others as 'slavers' not 'masters'. It is far more suitable and much better reflects the true state of affairs, while acknowledging the human dignity of enslaved persons. I will always use this term myself from now on.

the amount of layers of clothing they wore back then is insane.

Man….I can’t imagine living long if I was there…this mouth of mine would have gotten me dead. The patience, the resilience…

Impressed by the unmentioned details your acting shows, like the cook not allowed to look at his enslaver, the maid not reacting openly to her enslaver telling her all sorts of things, also walking at a notable distance behind her etc.

I just want to say I'm eternally grateful for this video. Even being directly descended from an eslaved man who freed himself, even knowing my living great grandfather was a sharecropper as a child, I haven't fully understood the magnitude of what my ancestors went through, and how it shapes what my family continues to experience. I will say that the experience of Fick reminds me blatantly of my job, and in all the worst ways. Storytime lol: I work in food service in a white dominated space, and I've always felt ostracized there. My white coworkers (who most likely lived during the civil rights movement) talk down to me constantly and act as if I'm not intelligent. They micromanage me and criticize innovation, for no other reason than because I came up with it. As for the guests we serve, who are 99% white, they're nice on the surface, but not particularly kind. That's especially true of the older ones. When my coworker (Black girl) and I got busy and needed help, a white girl from a different department came and helped us. I later found out she was tipped multiple times in that one half hour, for doing our job mind you, which we rarely get tipped for. I drew the line at that point. The legacy of slavery in north America is not to be underestimated. One way or another Black people continue to be the backbone of society, without any recognition or basic respect. It's extremely damaging to the psyche. The more you learn about the past the more you recognize how it shapes the present, and as soon as I possibly can, I intend to leave this job, for my own sanity.

"A form of code switching was employed. An enslaved lady had to be intelligent and creative enough to be useful yet docile and meek enough so as not to intimidate and offend." this literally illustrates the work life many black women still experience today. Sad reality.

"She made clothes she would never wear, and makeup she could never use..." Wow that's sad. All that talent, and if she had a daughter she couldn't make beautiful clothes for her either. Imagine passing down those amazing skills to a daughter, and the best a daughter could hope for was to follow in her mother's footsteps.

" Ohh you are so good to me, my kidnapper, my torturer, thank you so much for letting me bath, eat a little, and sleep in peace for a while"

My goodness, this is so hard to watch without seething at the injustice. This is a history that must be taught fully and never forgotten. Thank you for bringing light to an insanely dark topic.

I love that you say "enslaved persons" instead of "slave". That's the truth.

I love the language used in this video. Instead of the usual “master” or “mistress” opting for enslaver was very fitting. One of many ways the language is sugar coated without even realizing

Thank you very much for this video! I'm a historian in a Western European country, and recently read "12 years a slave" for the first time. It was very touching and I realized how little I still know about the history of black and enslaved people in the US. Most history classes and books I came in contact so far focused on the decendants from European countries, and enslaved Africans often were described only in their economic functions as slaves (e.g. their role in the triangular trade). I'm glad about this account of social history which is so so important!

It makes me so sad that the lives of so many people were not documented well…like what happened to this specific maid, how the rest of her life played out. I doubt we even know where she was buried. Every human deserves to be remembered, I’m glad you’re reminding everyone of these people & their lives & making them come to life through your acting.

This is, I think, the first time I have seen a non racist depiction of interaction between an enslaved lady’s maid and said lady. Her enslaver. Usually, it’s full of “but they were friends! The lady would joke and gossip with her lady’s maid, so it was fine!” Or “but she loved her maid” and then insert the caricature brought forth by Gone With The Wind. Ugh. I am so, so grateful to see an accurate depiction that doesn’t shy away from how inherently wrong it was. This was beautifully done, and I really appreciate all the hard work you put into this!

In my college history course we learned that being a ladies maid meant if something went wrong in the house, you became the scapegoat. Plus, there was more access for white men to sexually assault her. I cannot imagine the constant terror those women lived in. All enslaved people were true survivors.

I appreciate the history and I know it must've been emotionally taxing in someway to recreate what our ancestors had to go through! Thank you queen for this insight!!

I find the history of enslaved persons/serfs, servants and share croppers far more relatable and interesting than the rich. Their strength, knowledge and skill is inspirational.

It's amazing how delusional the enslavers must have been to actually think that even though the lady's maids were there against their will, they could be friends. In that way that position was definitely psychologically exhausting.

The emotional labor required of enslaved people was just astounding. I’m horrified that they had to do so much mental/emotional juggling every second on TOP of the physical abuse and everything else.

I love that you bring history alive in your videos! The background music when you talk is a little to loud though . It makes it hard to hear what your saying.

Extremely informative, albeit the heartache and melancholy that certain phrases such as "Fick made clothes she could never wear, makeup she could never use" induce, it's needed and very important that we hear them. Videos like these are full of empathy in just the right places.

I like that you showed how, even though the mistress in this example is kind to her maid, the relationship is not actually a relationship since it's entirely one-sided and one person holds unlimited power over the other.

I really respect how you consistently refer to them as “enslaved” throughout this piece, and emphasize the one-sided relationship. Too many productions romanticize these relationships!

You are a really talented historical interpreter. You dont bring politics in, you present accurately and informatively, you dont talk AT your audience but TO them. As a budding historial interpreter myself, I am humbled at how well you have presented. Well done!

This was really emotional to watch, a beautiful piece of work. Thank you for shining a light on the past in such an honest yet delicate way. You show the dignity of the enslaved, yet also the humanity of the enslaver. This was beautifully done.

One sided friendship: mistresses could share all her dumb problems while the other woman can't share her real problems. 😒

the self control it takes to not rip your enslaver's hair out of her head is beyond me - it's so sickening, how this horror was so casual and normal

This was amazing! You guys put a lot of work into this series and it shows! Thanks for making this series. History rocks!

I love how you have shown this in such an educational way.

I've always been uncomfortable with "owner" and I've always put it in quotations because I don't think a person can own another person, like mothers don't even own their children. I don't know why I never thought to say enslaver but I will now. Much more appropriate word.

All those clothes with no a/c, everyone had to be musty. 😂

This was so informative. I enjoyed it. I love history and understanding what my ancestors went through. I believe it helps us “now folks” better understand ourselves. I believe Ms. Fick and others like her, would be amazed to know millions of ppl have heard their stories and they are not forgotten.

It's so important for children to relate to history, and you contextualise it so well. Obrigado, professora!

The change of terminology from slave/master to enslaved people/enslavers is eye opening on several levels. It really shows how the narrative that many of us were taught in school was shaped by the people who wanted to distance themselves from the reality of enslavement and even perpetuate the notion of the superiority of the enslavers. Intellectually I know that the victors write the history books, but this shift of language really highlights it in a way my privilege has protected me from truly comprehending. Words matter so much. I've been following your work on RU-vid and Instagram for months. You've reframed the way I see American history. Thank you for the work you do.

Watching this I honestly had to laugh at “the lady’s slave was expected to keep up with latest fashion trends” and “hair skin and nails were expect to be free of dirt even though soap wasn’t always allowed to them” the audacity in those ppl were truthfully disgusting and distasteful

Thoroughly interesting video, thank you all for your hard work in showing this history!

How absolutely incredible of you to do such educational videos for us. I applaud you for doing this for us, its interesting to see how it kind of was. What a sad part of our history from our ancestors. I again give you accolades and applause. Well done!

Being able to read other people's emotions and anticipate their needs is often a trauma response, meaning that it's a skill developed in effort to survive, whether physically or emotionally. 😢

Notice how the man slave / cook wasn’t allowed to even look the “enslaver” in her eyes as they spoke.

Ladies maid makes me think of Downton Abbey and those romantic views of the relationship between the mistress and her maid. But then I realized how awful it must have been to never ever be able to leave, not getting paid and literally being a second class human. Just horrible 😢

Thank you, this is a great documentary!

Wow just watching her get dressed was exhausting. Can't imagine doing that everyday and all the pins. >_

THANK YOU for saying "enslaver" rather than "owner". Such a simple change, and yet so VERY CRUCIAL!!

The name of the channel attracted me. I am so glad! Thank you for this!

It's great to see these young actors honoring those from the past who lived this every day of their lives. Makes me appreciate modern times all the more!

The correct use of the term “enslaver” truly shows the power dynamic, and the helpless position the enslaved were in. Amazing information.

I really like how you describe not only the work that enslaved ladies' maids were expected to do, but how they had to navigate their social realities. It really adds a lot to what their lives were like and restores their humanity.

Off-topic and a little late that I absolutely love the costuming. It's beautiful.

New to your channel-and loving it. Thank you for your important work and witness!

It’s extremely sad seeing the mental impact this would have on enslaved people. They were constantly walking on ice.

I still cant believe how a person can think they "own" someone, really learnt a lot from this video

living historians are the most incredible historians out there. wonderful episode!

this is facanating. i feel like a lot of the time, people want to avoid the awkward conversations about black peoples roles throut history. I'm super grateful you're comfortable putting yourself in this position to help the greater understanding of American history!

"An enslaved lady's maid had to be intelligent and creative enough to be useful, but docile and meek enough not to offend." Girl, that's just being a black woman in the modern workplace.

This is what we need young people to be watching in classes. Actual informational videos. With honesty, and every single detail.

As a white female I only know what I was thought in school I am so happy you are shining a light on the harsh reality of history and not just focusing on the good parts of history thank you for what you are doing you are a vary awesome person and I am so glad too see someone who talks about this part of history so I can continue learning💖💗💜

this is fantastic! your work is awesome.

I never realized how much historical clothing utilized pins

The algorithm brought me here. My interest has kept me here.

Just found your channel. How marvelous to get even a peak into history that’s generally never covered.

I moved to VA and am still learning about the abundance of history here... including the land and home that my husband and I bought. On top of that, I am a filmmaker and want to say this was a very well put together piece. I have so many emotions right now including anger and sadness at so much that went on. This piece is beautiful and skims the top of all the things that are much easier to hear than what a lot of enslaved people truly endured. Thanks for creating a platform where people could get a glimpse into the true life. Also, just watching you get dressed, I was hot and tired! 😆 Can't wait to see more from you! 👏🏻

I’ve never realised how terrifying hearing about an upcoming slave auction would be to these people. You do good work, keep it up. History is important.

Human relations can get very bizarre and difficult to describe, especially when we're talking about communicating something from history to a modern audience, whom might find the setting being described to them as truly alien. I really like your method of presenting the situation/predicament as is and then asking us, the viewers, to just sit and absorb it and learn without strict instruction. I've always been against educational material that tells you how you are suppose to feel about what you're being taught, instead I like how this is all about letting me experience and consider. It really made me think about all these different contrasting aspects that must've messed with a person's head; how everyone in the system is interacting with each other in an unnatural way while awkwardly coating it with a veneer of "this is normal". Fick and her enslaver's relationship must have been so complicated and layered, yet I really loved how you managed to communicate this so fluidly. I can't wait to see the next episode / learn about another person in history!

Thank you for making this kind of educational material, it's extremely valuable. ♥

Very informative! Thank you for sharing

You’re teaching the history our schools fail to and I love that. Can’t wait for more!

As a history major and future history teacher, I love seeing black women as historians and thank you so much for this vital video!

Appreciated Historic and true reporting. Bravo

You're a very good storyteller. Your content was informative and kept my attention. Very well done.

I really appreciated the call out that an enslaved lady’s maid had to practice an early form of code switching. Such an eye opening way of looking at her experiences-and it made realize just how old that concept really is.

I can’t imagine how strong they had to be endure the every whim of their enslavers while also taking care of their own families, it makes my life seem so trivial and privileged.

Always great to learn about VA’s history. I believe it was one of the first states to buy slaves in the 1600s (maybe 1620s?) while still under Great Britain. I took a class last year on the history of Virginia til 1800 and much of it is built on and revolves around slavery.

This was a lovely video! Very informative about how slavery really was in America. I will definitely flag this video as one of the videos I would most likely show my students whenever I get a social studies teacher job. Very well put together video! Love it! ❤️

Love the swap of "owner" for "enslaver," really puts it into the proper context. And wow, I hated my former boss and the thought of her having literally the power of life & death over me (and probably at least some of my family) is nightmare-inducing. So glad you're giving a voice to the enslaved people who lived that terrible reality.

The lightness with which the mistress speaks to the enslaved maid is terrifying to me, I can't pinpoint the reason, but being able to be so familiar and chill with a person she's physically ENSLAVING and she has the potential to further abuse at any point is just scary. (No harm meant to the actress of course!! She portrays the dynamic very realistically)

Thank you for making these videos! I have learned a lot from them.

I really enjoyed this video. I learned a lot. Thank You.

the moment she said NORTH america, not saying “america” as is it was a whole country when it is a continent she had me.

I’m still stuck over the fact that they didn’t get soap but, were somehow still expected to be clean. Water can do a whole lot but, it ain’t a miracle worker sheesh

Thank you for the wonderful channel and videos ❤

I found you again. Important historical work and cool too.

Compliments to the cook’s performance when speaking to the “mistress” role. Black men had to be REALLY careful around and when talking to white women. If you notice in the video, he doesn’t even make eye contact. Also, complements to all involved here. You showed the nuance and truth of the situation. You portrayed the mistress as being courteous whilst also being sure to detail the one sided power dynamic that existed. It really emphasizes the reality of what it was like for enslaved persons most of the time.

The 'one-sided relationship' really hit me hard, something I knew about but neglected to really /understand/. Thank you so much for sharing.

Cheyney--so great to see this video. I hope you can come back to Handsell soon.

This work you're doing is extremely important it shows the crazy dynamics and dehumanizing of our ancestors.

Wow, non-triggering non-traumatizing content about the details of the life surviving under chattel slavery. genuinely thank you.

Chaney saying “shaved em off?” And making that “well how bout that” face is my favorite side-gem in this presentation. I wonder how many of my ancestors had to sit there and care for these enslavers and listen to their stupid stories

Wow look at all the layers of clothing she had to put on. I like the way you talked about this. Thank you for sharing.

Excellent and educational. Thank you.