Understanding the origins of African American literature requires delving into the lives of pioneering individuals who, despite immense challenges, used their voices to express their experiences, beliefs, and aspirations. This article explores the lives and contributions of early African American authors, focusing on Phillis Wheatley, Jupiter Hammon, William Wells Brown, and Harriet E. Wilson.
Phillis Wheatley: The First Published African American Poet
Early Life and Enslavement
Phillis Wheatley was born around 1753 in West Africa. At the age of seven or eight, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery, arriving in Boston in 1761. Purchased by the Wheatley family, she was named after the ship that brought her, “The Phillis,” combined with her master’s surname, becoming Phillis Wheatley. Recognizing her intelligence, the Wheatleys provided her with an education, uncommon for enslaved individuals at the time. Within sixteen months, she had mastered English and began studying Latin, Greek, theology, and classic literature.
Literary Achievements
Wheatley’s talent for poetry emerged early. In 1773, she published “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral,” making her the first African American to publish a book of poetry. Her work garnered attention from prominent figures, including George Washington, who praised her writing. Her poems often addressed themes of religion, morality, and freedom, reflecting her own experiences and the broader context of American slavery.
Legacy
Despite gaining fame, Wheatley faced financial difficulties later in life. She married John Peters, a free Black man, but struggled with poverty and the loss of her children. She died at the age of 31 in 1784. Wheatley’s legacy endures as a trailblazer who showcased the intellectual and artistic capabilities of African Americans during a time of widespread oppression.
Jupiter Hammon: The First Published African American Writer
Background and Enslavement
Jupiter Hammon was born on October 17, 1711, in Long Island, New York. Enslaved by the Lloyd family, he was allowed to attend school, where he learned to read and write. His deep religious faith profoundly influenced his writings.
Literary Contributions
In 1761, Hammon published a poem titled “An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ with Penitential Cries,” becoming the first African American to be published in North America. His works, deeply rooted in Christian theology, often addressed themes of salvation and morality. In 1787, he delivered the “Address to the Negroes of the State of New-York,” advocating for gradual emancipation and the importance of education and moral improvement among African Americans.
Impact and Recognition
Hammon’s writings provided a foundation for African American literature, emphasizing religious and ethical considerations. While he remained enslaved throughout his life, his works offered a voice to the African American experience in the 18th century, inspiring future generations of Black writers.
William Wells Brown: The First African American Novelist
Early Life and Escape from Slavery
William Wells Brown was born into slavery in 1814 near Lexington, Kentucky. In 1834, he escaped to Ohio and became active in the abolitionist movement, using his experiences to advocate against slavery.
Literary Milestones
Brown was a prolific writer and is credited with publishing the first novel by an African American, “Clotel; or, The President’s Daughter,” in 1853. The novel explores the lives of mixed-race daughters of Thomas Jefferson, highlighting the complexities of slavery and racial identity. Brown also wrote plays and historical works, contributing significantly to African American literature and history.
Legacy
Brown’s works provided a critical perspective on slavery and its impact on individuals and families. His pioneering efforts in various literary genres paved the way for future African American writers, establishing a tradition of using literature as a tool for social change.
Harriet E. Wilson: The First African American Female Novelist
Life and Challenges
Harriet E. Wilson was born on March 15, 1825, in Milford, New Hampshire. As a free African American woman in the North, she faced significant hardships, including poverty and racial discrimination.
Literary Achievement
In 1859, Wilson published “Our Nig; or, Sketches from the Life of a Free Black,” making her the first African American woman to publish a novel in North America. The semi-autobiographical work sheds light on the struggles of free Blacks in the North, challenging the notion that slavery and racial oppression were confined to the Southern states.
Significance
Wilson’s novel was largely overlooked during her lifetime and was rediscovered in the 1980s. Today, it is recognized for its critical portrayal of race relations in the North and its contribution to African American and feminist literature.
The Evolution of African American Literature
The contributions of Wheatley, Hammon, Brown, and Wilson laid the foundation for African American literature. Their works opened doors for future generations of Black writers, who continued to explore themes of identity, freedom, and social justice.
Phillis Wheatley’s Influence
Wheatley’s success as a poet demonstrated the intellectual and artistic abilities of African Americans, challenging prevailing racist notions. Her work inspired other Black writers to pursue literary careers and address issues pertinent to the African American experience.
Jupiter Hammon’s Legacy
Hammon’s religious writings highlighted the moral and ethical dimensions of slavery, encouraging African Americans to seek spiritual solace and personal improvement. His emphasis on education and morality influenced subsequent generations of Black writers and thinkers.
William Wells Brown’s Trailblazing Role
Brown’s pioneering efforts in fiction, drama, and historical writing showcased the versatility and depth of African American literature. His works addressed the complexities of racial identity and the injustices of slavery, influencing both his contemporaries and future writers.
Harriet E. Wilson’s Groundbreaking Novel
Wilson’s “Our Nig” provided a rare glimpse into the lives of free Blacks in the North, challenging the myth that racial oppression was exclusive to the South. Her work expanded the scope of African American literature, incorporating feminist perspectives and highlighting the intersectionality of race and gender.
Conclusion
The early African American authors faced immense challenges, including slavery, discrimination, and limited access to education. Despite these obstacles, they used literature as a means to express their experiences, advocate for their rights, and challenge societal norms. Their pioneering works laid the groundwork for future generations of African American writers, enriching American literature and contributing to the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
