On Being Brought from Africa to America

Phillis Wheatley

First ever African-American female poet published, Phillis Wheatley was kidnapped in West Africa when she was 8 years old and brought to Boston on a slave ship. There, she was purchased by a tailor called John Wheatley to be his wife’s servant. The Wheatleys acknowledged Phillis' talents and allowed her to learn to read and write. Her first book was published in London in 1773.

This story repeatedly uses the word "Negro," a term now considered outdated and inappropriate when referring to Black people. We do not endorse its use today. However, we have chosen to preserve the original text for its historical and literary value. Written by African American poet Phillis Wheatley, On Being Brought from Africa to America offers a glimpse into the language and cultural context of African American literature in the 18th century.

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'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.