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This Maryland Exploration is a story about a two young persons, just
about your age, who were kidnapped in Africa and brought to America as
slaves. To complete this Exploration,, you will need a copy of the On the Block
Worksheet. You can get one from your teacher. So if you are ready,
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Map of West Africa published in 1743 from the Library of Congress
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My name is Dembi. Long ago in a small village in Africa,
my brother, Moeyon, and I would play outside our hut near the center of
our village. We would play while my parents were out working in the
fields or hunting. Sometimes I would climb the tree to watch out for the
kidnappers. Mother told us all about the kidnappers. She said they came
when the adults of the village were out working. She said the kidnappers
would take you far away and you would never see your family again. So
when my brother and I would play, it was my job to climb the tree to
watch out for the kidnappers.
One day we were playing at the edge of our village. We were having so
much fun that I forgot to climb the tree. So we didn't hear them coming
- the kidnappers. They grabbed us before we knew what was happening.
They put a sack over our heads and carried us off. I could hear Moeyon
crying out to me, "Dembi, Dembi!" But then his voice faded away. I had
no idea what was going to happen to us. I was very afraid.
After a very long time, they took the sack from my head. I could see a
ship. It was a very large ship. I had never seen anything like it
before. The place was called Igbo (now Nigeria).
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Click on this line to see where my journey from Africa began.
Once you've examined the web site, complete Question #1 on your On the
Block Worksheet.
To continue with this story, click "Ahead" below. If you
wish to review a page, click on
"Back." If you wish to return to the Maryland with PRIDE Home Page,
click on "Home."
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