ABSTRACT
Tobacco planting, harvesting, picking, and curing played a major role in the drama of enslaved Africans throughout the southern states. While displaced Africans encountered many odd ways and strange appetites in the so called “new world,” tobacco was a “familiar.” When tobacco first came to Africa, its power and pleasure quickly spread throughout the continent. At the very onset Africans conferred on the plant mystical and magical powers. For poor illiterate black folks picking tobacco was down and dirty work but it let one bring home ready cash, extra money. However, it must be stated that the southern black folks who harvested and cured tobacco plants with no harmful pesticides or additives used tobacco and usually lived long lives. Spiritually, people of color globally have viewed and continue to view tobacco as a way to be initiated into the spirit world.
