Slave Narrative of Lou Smith
Lou Smith, an 83-year-old former slave from Platter, Oklahoma, recalls her experiences of slavery and subsequent freedom. She was raised by her parents, both former slaves, and worked as a nursemaid for white families. Smith describes the harsh treatment by her mistress, contrasting it with the kindness of her old master. After the Civil War, she recalls the struggles for survival and the community dynamics. Smith also shares her beliefs in superstitions and traditional medicine practices, reflecting on her life filled with both hardship and familial bonds.