As part of Black History Month, NewsNation is celebrating artful and creative pioneers within the Black community who have left an indelible mark on the arts and shattered barriers for other minority artists in the U.S. and in the world. Read about more impactful artists here.
(NewsNation) — In the annals of American literature, Phillis Wheatley stands as a trailblazer, defying the odds to become the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry. Her story is one of resilience, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to her craft.
Born around 1753 in West Africa, Wheatley was captured and enslaved as a child, transported across the Atlantic to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1761. Despite the harsh conditions of enslavement, she displayed a remarkable intelligence that caught the attention of her enslavers, the Wheatley family.
Recognizing her potential, they provided her with an education that included learning to read and write English.
Despite being enslaved, her talents flourished, and she quickly absorbed the classical education provided to her. It wasn’t long before her poetic prowess emerged, captivating those around her.
In 1773, at the age of around 20, Wheatley achieved a groundbreaking feat publishing her collection of poems titled “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.” This milestone marked a turning point in American literature, as she became the first African-American woman to see her work in print.
The collection comprised 39 poems, including elegies, hymns, and philosophical verses. One notable poem, “An Elegiac Poem, on the Death of that Celebrated Divine, and Eminent Servant of Jesus Christ, the Reverend and Learned George Whitefield,” paid tribute to the renowned preacher George Whitefield, highlighting Wheatley’s ability to engage with contemporary events and figures.
Wheatley’s poetry often drew on classical literature and mythology, demonstrating her education and mastery of various poetic forms. Her work incorporated themes of Christianity, morality, virtue, and the rights of enslaved individuals.
In “On Being Brought from Africa to America,” she reflected on her own experience of enslavement and conversion to Christianity, asserting the idea that even though she was brought from Africa in chains, she found freedom and salvation through Christianity.
Wheatley’s verses resonated not only in America but also across the Atlantic in England, where she gained recognition for her literary achievements. She corresponded with various prominent individuals, including the Earl of Dartmouth and George Washington, further highlighting the impact of her literary achievements.
While “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral” brought Wheatley acclaim, it also sparked debates about the authenticity of her authorship. In the preface to her collection, she defended her capacity for intellectual and creative expression, addressing doubts about her ability to produce such refined poetry as an enslaved African-American woman.
Wheatley’s contributions to literature were groundbreaking not only because of her race and gender but also because of the quality of her work. Her achievements opened doors for future generations of African-American writers, proving that talent and intellect know no racial or gender boundaries.