Black families contemplating leaving the South had to weigh their desire for freedom and better economic opportunities against the fear of separating from loved ones and the difficulties of the journey.
The information in the document speaks to the complex considerations Black families faced when deciding whether to leave the South. The crucial influence was the desire for self-emancipation and the pursuit of freedom. Among the various factors were the fear of permanent separation from family, the hope of reuniting with kin networks, and the quest for opportunities such as owning land or securing jobs in the urban North or Western lands.
Historical accounts note the role of family and kinship ties in these decisions, highlighting that some Black individuals would have chosen to escape slavery if not for the bonds that held them to their families.
Moving to the North or West could mean a better chance for economic stability and escaping the oppressive conditions of the South, but it also meant a tough decision regarding leaving relatives behind, especially when the means to support the journey were limited.