Phillis Wheatley: Pioneering Poet and Unveiler of Slavery's Hypocrisy
Phillis Wheatley, believed to be the first enslaved person and the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry, left an indelible mark on the United States, forcing the nation to confront the hypocrisy of slavery. In the frigid waters of Boston Harbor on November 28, 1773, the Quaker-owned whaler Dartmouth carried a cargo that included 114 chests of British East India Company tea. Little did anyone know that this cargo, along with freshly printed copies of Wheatley's collection, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," would play a pivotal role in the iconic act of resistance known as the Boston Tea Party.
Wheatley's life and work, symbolic of the US struggle for freedom, have become integral to the nation's history. As the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party approaches on December 16, Evan O'Brien, creative manager of the Boston Tea Party & Ships Museum, emphasizes the importance of acknowledging individuals like Phillis Wheatley who lived in Boston in 1773.
Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," considered the first book of published poetry by an enslaved person in the US, stands as a testament to Wheatley's literary prowess and resilience. Cathryn Philippe, an actor who interprets Wheatley at the museum, sheds light on the poet's remarkable achievements, urging a nuanced understanding of enslaved individuals that goes beyond the tragic narrative.
Born in what is now Senegal or Gambia, Wheatley faced abduction at the age of seven or eight in 1761. Surviving the treacherous Middle Passage aboard the slave-trading brigantine Phillis, she arrived on Boston's shores in the summer of that year, marking the beginning of a journey that would challenge societal norms and contribute to the fight for freedom in the United States.
Phillis Wheatley: From Enslaved Child to Literary Prodigy
The frail girl, having endured eight weeks at sea, found an unexpected destiny in the bustling city of Boston. Wealthy merchant and tailor John Wheatley noticed her vulnerability and purchased her as a gift for his wife, Susanna. Renaming her Phillis, after the ship that brought her to a new world, the young girl's life took an extraordinary turn. Despite the Wheatleys' complex relationship with slavery, they recognized Phillis's exceptional talents and provided her with opportunities for intellectual growth.
Phillis Wheatley's innate aptitude for language quickly manifested, leading David Waldstreicher, professor of history at the City University of New York, to declare her a "genius." Immersed in the study of Latin, Greek, history, theology, and poetry, she drew inspiration from literary figures like Alexander Pope and Isaac Watts. By the age of 13, she published her first verse in the Newport Mercury, showcasing her early brilliance.
Despite the challenges posed by racial prejudices, Wheatley's poetic prowess could not be contained. The refusal of American printers to publish a book by a Black writer did not deter her. "Poems on Various Subjects," eventually financed by the Countess of Huntingdon and published in London, marked Wheatley's triumphant entry into the literary world at the age of 19. Her celebrity status in England, coupled with the Wheatleys' recognition of the inherent contradictions in a nation claiming independence while perpetuating slavery, led to her manumission in 1774.
Phillis Wheatley, a keen observer of her tumultuous times, navigated the delicate balance of addressing significant moments in America's fight for independence without overtly criticizing the colonial government as a Black woman. From praising King George III at the age of 14 for repealing the Stamp Act to memorializing the tragic death of Christopher Snider in a protest against imported British goods, Wheatley's verses served as a unique lens into the complexities of her era. Her journey from an enslaved child to a literary prodigy remains an inspiring and essential chapter in American history.
Phillis Wheatley's Revolutionary Voice: From Boston Massacre to Literary Legacy
In 1770, the streets near Phillis Wheatley's home on King Street in Boston witnessed a defining moment in American history—the Boston Massacre. The skirmish between Colonists and British soldiers near the Old State House left an indelible mark, commemorated today by a circle of granite pavers. It was in the aftermath of this event that Phillis drew inspiration to pen the poignant poem "On the Affray in King Street, on the Evening of the 5th of March, 1770," capturing the tension and turmoil of the times.
Despite facing the challenges of her era, Phillis Wheatley, scholars estimate, produced upwards of 100 poems. While her work often avoids explicit references to her own condition and is steeped in Christian concepts and praise for contemporary figures, she has sometimes been misunderstood as a white apologist. Ade Solanke, a writer and Fulbright Scholar, challenges this misconception, emphasizing the radical act of a Black woman writing poetry in such a period. Wendy Roberts, a University at Albany professor, echoes this sentiment, highlighting Wheatley's assertion of agency, freedom, and personhood in her verses.
The landscape of Boston has undergone significant transformations, and many buildings associated with Phillis's life no longer stand. However, the Old South Meeting House, a revered place of worship for Wheatley, stands as an exception. This stately Georgian red-brick church, dating back to 1729, not only served as a cradle of philosophical debate but also played a crucial role as the planning headquarters for the Boston Tea Party. Today, as a museum, it pays homage to Phillis Wheatley with a statue and exhibits celebrating groundbreaking figures from the pre- and post-Revolutionary eras.
Phillis Wheatley's legacy, intertwined with pivotal moments in American history and her unwavering commitment to expressing herself through poetry, continues to resonate as a testament to the transformative power of words and the enduring impact of a revolutionary voice.
Exploring Phillis Wheatley's Boston: A Journey Through History and Legacy
As one envisions Phillis Wheatley's Boston, it's a cityscape steeped in history, where the writer likely strolled through the 50-acre Boston Common, the oldest public park in the country. The recently unveiled statue honoring Civil Rights icons Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King adds a layer of contemporary discourse to this historic landscape.
Wheatley, an integral part of the Wheatley family, may have traversed Faneuil Hall, once a bustling marketplace where household goods were traded, and adjacent to the site where enslaved individuals were once sold. Today, it stands as a vibrant retail center offering souvenirs, diverse culinary experiences, and guided tours featuring guides adorned in 18th-century attire.
Speculations abound that Phillis Wheatley might have participated in funeral processions for Christopher Snider and the victims of the Boston Massacre, with Faneuil Hall serving as the starting point for the somber journey to the Granary Burying Ground. This cemetery, a serene resting place for Revolutionaries like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere, houses more than 2,000 gravestones adorned with traditional Puritan motifs.
While Phillis herself is believed to rest in an unmarked grave at Copp's Hill in Boston's North End, her legacy is celebrated throughout the city. An elegant statue of Wheatley, alongside depictions of women's rights advocate Abigail Adams and abolitionist Lucy Stone, graces the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Plans for a replica of the Dartmouth to sail into the Boston Tea Party & Ships Museum promise a permanent exhibit dedicated to the poet.
Contemporary artists pay homage to Phillis Wheatley's enduring influence. As part of the 250th-anniversary celebrations orchestrated by Revolution 250, a consortium dedicated to exploring Revolutionary history, various performances and exhibits will unfold. Notably, a full-scale reenactment of the Tea Party on December 16 will commemorate this pivotal moment. Photographer Valerie Anselme's exhibit will recreate Phillis's frontispiece, adorning the original publication of "Poems on Various Subjects," offering a visual testament to her lasting impact on American literature and history.
A Continuum of Expression: Artists in Boston Channel the Spirit of Phillis Wheatley
In the vibrant artistic landscape of Boston, echoes of Phillis Wheatley's legacy resonate through the spoken word events and poetry readings hosted by contemporary artist Amanda Shea. Embracing a role in the continuum of Wheatley's pioneering spirit, Shea sees herself as part of a lineage that spans generations. "I feel like I'm part of the continuum of Phillis Wheatley. It's really important to be able to write and tell our stories. It's our duty as artists to reflect the times in which we live.
In the city that witnessed Wheatley's poetic brilliance, artists like Shea find inspiration in the power of words to shape narratives and mirror the complexities of contemporary life. The act of storytelling, initiated by Wheatley centuries ago, remains a potent force, encouraging artists to express their unique perspectives and contribute to an ongoing dialogue that transcends time.
As Boston's artistic community embraces the responsibility to convey the essence of their era, the legacy of Phillis Wheatley lives on in the voices of those who continue to weave tales, share experiences, and enrich the cultural tapestry of the city. Through spoken word and poetry, the spirit of Wheatley endures, reminding us of the enduring power of artistic expression to connect the past with the present.
As the vibrant artistic community in Boston continues to draw inspiration from Phillis Wheatley's legacy, the spirit of storytelling and poetic expression thrives in the city. Amanda Shea, among those carrying on this rich tradition, sees herself as part of a continuum, acknowledging the importance of writing and sharing stories as a duty of artists to reflect the times in which they live.
In this captivating journey through Boston's cultural landscape, the echoes of Wheatley's poetic brilliance intertwine with contemporary voices, creating a dynamic narrative that transcends generations. The enduring power of artistic expression, exemplified by Wheatley's contributions, serves as a reminder of its ability to connect the past with the present.
As the city's artists channel the spirit of Phillis Wheatley, they contribute to a cultural tapestry that not only honors the past but also enriches the present. Through spoken word, poetry, and various artistic expressions, the legacy of Wheatley becomes a living testament to the timeless impact of storytelling and the profound duty of artists to shape and reflect the ever-evolving narrative of their society.