I have noticed that when referring to slavery some say their ancestors were "held" and some say their ancestores were "owned" by slavemasters. The word "held"(against their will) best tells the story. A person can not own another person. Our ancestors were stolen from Africa...how can someone be the rightful owner of anything that has been stolen. I know that the white man created laws to support their evil deed of purchase and for generations have proudly said they "owned" slaves. Somehow they thought putting money on the table could turn wrong into right. They were theives among theives guided by greed and lust. As for me the word "owned" is out and "held" is in. My ancestors were "held".