In the current Mudcat thread Advice Please? - use of offensive words in songs Howard Jones posted this comment on 19 Dec 06 - 08:41 AM:

"Hugill excuses keeping the word "nigger" on the grounds that it was universally used by both black and white sailors without derogatory overtones. In a multi-racial, multi-national industry it was a man's ability as a sailor and not his skin colour which mattered. Of course the black sailors probably weren't in a position to object."

-snip-

I presume that Howard Jones was talking about life as a sailor during the 19th century and earlier. I wondered if his statement was true. Because I knew next to nothing about antebellum Black sailors, I decided to do some initial research online on this subject.

I'd like to share what I've found thus far.

Besides the existence and condition of Black sailors, I'm hoping that the information that I present in this thread will spark a discussion, and/or additional information sharing from other Mudcat members & guests on the historical subject of Black sailors and their connection with shanties.

I'm particulary interested in exploring what is known about Black contribution to shanties,and how Black people are presented in the lyrics of various shanties.

I hope that others will join me in a presentation and a discussion of this topic.