African-American authors: Phillis Wheatley, America's first important black writer 8 Articles

by Christine G.

On being brought from Africa to America Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land, Taught my benighted soul to understand That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too: Once I redemption neither sought nor knew, So...read more

by Gemma Wiseman

In mid 18th century Boston, U.S.A. lived an educated, (well-versed in Greek and Latin) Christian black slave who became a great poet in her own lifetime. The classic English poets John Milton, Alexander Pope and John Grey ...read more

by Wendy Pettit

In 1761, Slavery was a common practice of many. Approximately one fourth of Americans owned a slave or had a slave in the family. John Wheatley was one of the numerous people who purchased a slave shipped in from Africa. ...read more

by E.M.Robinson

Phillis Wheatley exceeded all expectations of her class, race, and gender to become an internationally celebrated poet. She was America's first important black writer. Although she wrote many poems, one of the best thin...read more

by Joan Schroeder

It is difficult for me to fathom, a mere child of 7 years old, sold into slavery, surviving the arduous journey to America on a slave ship, and working on a slave plantation. Phillis Wheatley was one such child. Not only ...read more

by Cherryl Floyd-Miller

It is as important to dispel the myth that Phillis Wheatley was the first important black writer in the United States as it is to praise her as a precursor of the Abolitionist Movement. Jupiter Hammon bears the distinct...read more

by R. Warner

The first book published by an African-American was printed with this disclaimer as a preface: "WE whose Names are underwritten, do assure the World, that the POEMS specified in the following Page, were (as we verily be...read more

by Morgan Johnson

Phillis Wheatley established the groundwork for Blacks to express themselves through letters and publications. She was the first Negro to have a published book and the first to support herself through her own skill. It'...read more