Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784)
Born in west Africa
Brought to Boston, Massachusetts at age seven
Taught how to read and write
First African American to have volume of poems published
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.
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