On Being Brought From Africa To America

Phillis Wheatley was the first published African-American woman and first published African-American poet.  Born in West Africa, she was sold into slavery at the age of seven and transported to North America.  She was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston, who taught her to read and write, and encouraged her poetry when they saw her talent.

'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, Negro's, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.

 

 

 - Poem by Phillis Wheatley