Juneteenth: Honoring the Enslaved and Celebrating the Freedom of All Who Lived in Early America
Today is about celebrating emancipation. There are so very many stories of survival, escape, and liberation.
One woman I've learned about that sticks with me is Phyllis Wheatley. I thought I'd keep it simple by sharing a poem of hers. Somehow this amazing young woman was able to bloom brightly, no matter her "status."
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On Being Brought from Africa to America
BY PHILLIS WHEATLEY
’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.
To me, this is the Wheatley I'm learning about- one whose belief in God is so incredibly strong, making this poem one to read again and again.
To learn more about Phyllis:
1) Click here to the Poetry Foundation's website and
2) Refer to my Learning Black History Daily post by clicking here and take the time to listen to the embedded podcast in that article; it from Your Most Obedient and Humble Servant.
Courthouse Green, Colonial Williamsburg
Closing words from history.
Benjamin Franklin respected the poetess Phyllis - referenced in the final paragraph of this letter. Definitely dig deeper on Phyllis, every history lover will be blown away by her. For my source on the National Archives, with notes and citations, click here.
From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 7 July 1773
To Jonathan Williams, Sr.
ls: Pierpont Morgan Library; als (letterbook draft): Library of Congress
London, July 7, 1773.
Dear Cousin,
In looking over your Letters I find in that of Nov. 12, mention of a Prize of £20 which you have drawn.9 It never came into my Hands, and I cannot find that Smith, Wright and Gray know any thing of it. If I knew the No. of the Ticket, I could enquire farther.
I am much obliged by your Care in Hall’s Affair and glad you have recovered so much of that Debt, and are likely to get the rest. I hope it will be of Service to my dear Sister. The Goods for her were sent per Capt. Hatch, in a Trunk consign’d to you.1
I wish you Success in your new Plan of Business, and shall certainly embrace every Opportunity I may have of promoting it.2
Upon your Recommendation I went to see the black Poetess and offer’d her any Services I could do her. Before I left the House, I understood her Master was there and had sent her to me but did not come into the Room himself, and I thought was not pleased with the Visit. I should perhaps have enquired first for him; but I had heard nothing of him.3 And I have heard nothing since of her. My Love to Cousin Grace and your Children; I am Your affectionate Uncle,
B Franklin
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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.
1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.
2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.
3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.
