The correct answer is: B) Africans
Until the late 17th century, African Slaves had some rights, freedom was considered to be a legitimate goal for enslaved blacks - some of them were free and even owned slaves themselves -. They were able to earn money to purchase their freedom. They could live as members of the community, own land, pay taxes and live separately from other enslaved blacks. Later, slavery became defined by racial terms and laws started to restrict free black’s ability to hold positions of power.