VANISHED: THE FORGOTTEN SACRIFICES OF THE NEGRO WASHERWOMAN

“The Negroes of this country keenly resent any such thing as the mention of the Plantation Black Mammy, so dear to the hearts of those who believe in the traditions of the Old South. Such a reminder of that low status of the race in the social order of the slave regime is considered a gross insult. There is in the life of the Negro, however, a vanishing figure whose name everyone should mention with veneration. She was the all but beast of burden of the aristocratic slave-holder, and in freedom she continued at this hard labor as a bread winner of the family. This is the Negro washerwoman.” Carter G. Woodson

In this excerpt, Carter G. Woodson contrasts the "Plantation Black Mammy" stereotype with the "Negro washerwoman," highlighting the former's association with the degraded status of enslaved people and the latter's enduring hardship and strength in freedom.

He criticizes the romanticized image of the Mammy, arguing it is a gross insult to Black people who resent reminders of the low status of the race under slavery. He then elevates the Negro washerwoman as a more deserving figure of veneration, recognizing her crucial role in supporting families through tireless labor, even after emancipation.

• The "Plantation Black Mammy":

Woodson views this stereotype as a harmful reminder of the social order of the slave regime. It is a figure cherished by those who romanticize the Old South, but it is a gross insult to the Black community, according to Woodson.

• The "Negro Washerwoman":

Woodson emphasizes that this figure is a vanishing one, deserving of respect. He highlights her tireless labor as a breadwinner for her family, even after the end of slavery. According to Woodson, the washerwoman was also a beast of burden under the aristocratic slave-holder.

• Veneration:

Woodson calls for everyone to mention the Negro washerwoman with veneration. He sees her as a more accurate representation of the struggles and resilience of Black people than the Mammy stereotype.

The "Negro Washerwoman" refers to African American women who, following the Civil War, took on domestic work, particularly laundry, as a means of survival and economic empowerment. These women played a crucial role in supporting their families and communities, often working long hours for low wages.

The term "Negro Washerwoman" is now considered outdated and potentially offensive, but it highlights the historical significance of these women in the labor force and their contributions to Black society.

Elaboration:

• Economic Necessity:

After the Civil War, many Black women found themselves in a precarious economic position, and laundry work became a common source of income.

• Labor-Intensive Work:

Before the invention of the washing machine, laundry was a time-consuming and physically demanding task.

• Family Support:

Washerwomen often had to work long hours and manage multiple responsibilities, balancing domestic work with childcare and household duties.

• Community Impact:

Washerwomen not only provided for their own families but also contributed to the development of the Black community by saving money and investing in local businesses and education.

• Atlanta Washerwomen Strike:

In 1881, washerwomen in Atlanta organized a strike to demand higher wages and better working conditions, highlighting their collective power and the importance of their labor.

• Forgotten Heroes:

The "Negro Washerwoman" is often overlooked in historical narratives, but their contributions to Black society are significant and worthy of recognition.