THE ARTIST'S LOUNGE: June 2026

ALBERY ALSTON WHITMAN (1851-1901)

Born in slavery in Kentucky

Epic poet, minister, orator

Wrote book-length narrative poems detailing the African-American experience.

Pastored church in Springfield, Ohio

Attempted to write Romantic poetry. Was inspired by Lord Byron.

Poet Laureate of the black race

Struggled with alcoholism and illness

Died from pneumonia

WORKS

* Not a Man, and Yet a Man (1877)

* The Rape of Florida republished as Twesinta Seminoles (1884)

* An Idyl of the South. (1901)

Sunday, June 21, 2026