Freed from Slavery

On October 18, 1775 - African-American poet Phillis Wheatley was freed from slavery

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, Negro's, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.

Phillis Wheatley

 

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Phillis Wheatley was stolen from her homeland in West Africa when she was a small child, perhaps seven or eight, and sold directly from the ship to John and Susanna Wheatley. While a slave, they found her writing on a wall with chalk, and taught her to read and write. 

Despite her poetry, she died a poor woman -- but she died free.