Many Southern folk tales derive from African-American stories, brought over centuries ago by enslaved Africans.  These stories served as African cultural vessels, keeping customs, beliefs and values alive for future generations.  Some African-American stories were “trickster” tales like those of Br'er Rabbit, teaching fellow slaves how to survive by cunning and wit under an oppressive plantation system.  Ghost stories like “
Ibo Landing” described the horrors of slavery, and inspired pride in African roots.

Among the African-American stories you can read below are myths, ghost stories, animal tales, and encounters with the Devil himself!