Final answer:
Among enslaved southerners, family and kinship networks maintained cultural traditions, religious practices, and ancestral heritage, helping to uphold community and a sense of identity against the oppression of slavery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among enslaved southerners, family and kinship networks served to maintain d) all the above: a) cultural traditions, b) religious practices, and c) ancestral heritage. The creation of family units, the recognition of distant relations, and communal traditions afforded enslaved people a semblance of continuity with their past. These networks were instrumental in preserving religious beliefs, ancient ancestral traditions, and even names, serving as a form of resistance against the dehumanizing aspects of slavery. Despite being under constant threat, family and kinship ties provided a crucial support system for enslaved individuals, enabling them to cope with the trauma and maintain their dignity and humanity.