In our American Literature class today, we're going to talk about the literature of slavery and freedom, in the XVIII century, in particular we're going to focus on Olaudah Equiano with his slave narrative and Phillis Wheatley, the first black poet in America to publish a book (1767) so, if you'd like to listen to her poetry here is an homage to the evening in her poem "Hymn to the Evening"
One of her most famous poems is "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.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
"Their colour is a diabolic die."
Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.
In the really good website Poetry foundation, you'll find much more information about her and many many more other interesting poets!
