2. When were the enslaved Africans allowed above deck?

Enslaved Africans were generally *not* allowed above deck except under specific circumstances, and even then, it was heavily restricted and controlled. These circumstances could include:<br /><br />* **Exercise:** Sometimes, particularly during longer voyages, enslaved people were brought on deck for brief periods of forced exercise to try and prevent illness and death. This was not done out of any humanitarian concern, but rather to protect the "cargo" from losing value.<br />* **Cleaning/Ship Maintenance:** Enslaved people were sometimes forced to work on deck cleaning the ship or assisting with minor maintenance tasks.<br />* **Inspections/Sales:** Upon arrival in port, enslaved people might be brought on deck for inspection and appraisal by potential buyers.<br />* **Rebellions/Resistance:** While rare due to the extreme power imbalance, there were instances of enslaved people revolting on board. These events would obviously bring them above deck.<br /><br />It's important to understand that even during these limited times above deck, enslaved Africans were still under constant surveillance and subject to brutal treatment. The vast majority of the Middle Passage was spent in horrific conditions below deck.<br />