Courtney Moore - Women in Early African American Literature lyrics

African American women have been doubly oppressed. They were lesser not only because of their skin color, but because of their gender. However, even as they were subjected to slavery and s**ism, these women made brave strides in the world of literature. They contributed not only as daughters, wives, and lovers, but as artists, voices, poets, and revolutionaries amongst the American people. 1645- The first American Slave ships sail from Boston. “The closeness of the place, and the heat of the climate, added to the number in the ship, which was so crowded that each had scarcely room to turn himself, almost suffocated us.” Olaudah Equiano. “The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Va**a, the African, Written by Himself. 1734- The “Great Awakening” religious revival begins. “Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.” Phillis Wheatly, On Being Brought from Africa to America. 1757- Phillis Wheatley is purchased in Boston. “”Without any Assistance from School Education, and by only what she was taught in the Family, she, in sixteen Months Time from her Arrival, attained the English Language, to which she was an utter Stranger before, to such a Degree, as to read any…” John Wheatley, [Letter Sent by the Author's Master to the Publisher] 1773- Phillis Wheatley's “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral” is published in London, the first book published by an African American woman. “For nobler themes demand a nobler strain, And purer language on th' ethereal plain” Phillis Wheatly, “To S.M. a Young African Painter, on Seeing His Works." 1780- Pennsylvania becomes the first state to allow interracial marriage. “There is something akin to freedom in having a lover who has no control over you, except that which he gains by kindness and attachment.” Harriet Jacobs, “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl”. 1796- Lucy Terry Prince becomes the first woman to argue before the Supreme Court regarding a land dispute. “By the regulations of society, there is no equality of persons, where there is not an equality of attainments.” Martin B. Delany, “The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States”. 1825- Frances Ellen Watkins is born into a free, political, religiously prominent family. “In her hand are possibilities whose use or abuse must must tell upon the political life of the nation, and send their influence for good or evil across the track of unborn ages.” Frances E.W. Harper, “Woman's Political Future”. 1851- Sojourner Truth speaks during a women's rights convention in Akron, Ohio. Her speech is reported by the “Anti-Slavery Bugle”. “I have heard the bible and have learned that Eve caused man to sin. Well, if woman upset the world, do give her a chance to set it right side up again.” Sojourner Truth, “Ain't I a Woman?”.