She was the first African American published poet and is so befittingly our first featured poet in honor of Black History Month. Phillis Wheatley was a former slave sold to John Wheatley of Boston in 1761 who ended up encouraging an advanced education. It was this instruction that bred a passion for writing. Below you will find her beloved poem, “On Being Brought from Africa to America.” Let her words speak to your heart as she shares not only her vision for unity in the Body but the heart of our Savior.
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.
Phillis Wheatley
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