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Jupiter Hammon: The First Published Black Poet in America

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America's First Black Poet; Jupiter Hammon of Long Island

by Stanley A. Ransom Jr.

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Jupiter Hammon (c. 1711-c. 1806) was the first published black poet in America. His work provides a unique glimpse into the experiences of African Americans during the colonial and Revolutionary periods.

Early Life and Education

Jupiter Hammon was born into slavery on Long Island, New York, in the early 1700s. His exact birthplace and date of birth are unknown. Hammon was owned by a Quaker family, the Lloyds, who taught him to read and write. This was a rare opportunity for a slave, and Hammon made the most of it. He became a devout Christian and a keen observer of the world around him.

Poetry

Hammon's poetry is notable for its clear and concise language, as well as its strong moral and religious themes. His work often addressed the issue of slavery, and he was a vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery.

One of Hammon's most famous poems is "An Evening Thought. Salvation by Christ with Penitential Cries." The poem was written in 1761, and it expresses Hammon's hope for salvation through Jesus Christ.

Now let my soul awake, and pay A tribute to my Maker's praise; My Maker and Redeemer too, Who favours me with length of days. I view the nations with surprise, As round about my eyes I turn, To see so many to despise, And few to love the truth I find. The wicked, like a torrent, roll To overwhelm the just and right; How long, O Lord, how long shall wrong Afflict and crush the innocent?

Hammon's poetry was widely read and admired during his lifetime. He was praised by both black and white readers, and his work was even included in some of the most popular anthologies of American poetry. Hammon's poetry is still read and studied today, and he is considered one of the most important figures in African American literature.

Later Life and Legacy

Hammon continued to write poetry until the end of his life. He died in 1806, at the age of 95. He was buried in the Quaker cemetery in Oyster Bay, New York.

Hammon's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a slave who wrote about freedom, a Christian who lived in a society that often persecuted Christians, and a black man who wrote about the experiences of black people in America. His work is a valuable reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the African American people, and it continues to inspire and challenge readers today.

America's First Black Poet; Jupiter Hammon of Long Island

by Stanley A. Ransom Jr.

5 out of 5