I think we need to look into the true full history of US slavery.
Now, many things differed depending on state, etc. But, did you know, e.g., slaves BOUGHT their way out of slavery? Or their spouses?
How do you think so many “freemen” (Freeman) came to be? It wasn’t just escaping, especially in colonial days.
So no, I would not say “no hope”.
Well so it wasn’t so bad after all! Save your nickels and buy your way to freedom!! Whistle while you work and all that. Gee, thanks for enlightening me.