Bondage to Belonging

Slavery and Freedmen Through the Lens of The Cherokee Trilogy

Watch the complete 30-minute presentation by James A. Humphrey

Presented to the Goingsnake Historical District Heritage Association.

This presentation explores slavery and Freedmen history in the Cherokee Nation through the people, families and historical events portrayed in James A. Humphrey's Cherokee Trilogy.

Watch the presentation

Why this story matters

The history of the Cherokee Nation is not simply a story of treaties, removal, war and political leaders.

It is also the story of families.

It is the story of people who were enslaved, people who became free, people who struggled with identity and belonging, and people whose lives were shaped by the extraordinary changes taking place around them.

The Cherokee Trilogy uses historical fiction to bring those human experiences into view.

The Cherokee Trilogy

Cherokee Rock - The first novel begins the historical journey and introduces the people and forces that shape the generations that follow.

Cherokee Rose - The second novel carries the Waters family into the era of Removal and the Trail of Tears and explores the personal consequences of those events.

Cherokee Reel - The third novel continues the story into Indian Territory and the complicated world of Cherokee political, social and family life after Removal.

Continue the story

If this presentation raises questions about Cherokee history, slavery, the Freedmen or the families who lived through these events, explore the Cherokee Trilogy.

Bring the presentation

to your organization

This presentation is suitable for historical societies, libraries, genealogy groups, book clubs, educational organizations and Cherokee community groups.

For information about arranging a presentation, contact James A. Humphrey through CherokeeTrilogy.com.