Phillis Wheatley: Crash Course Black American History #7

Summary

In Crash Course Black American History, Clint Smith explores the resilience and creativity of enslaved African Americans, highlighting Phillis Wheatley's groundbreaking poetry. Wheatley, the first English-speaking Black woman to publish a book, became a symbol of intellectual prowess, challenging stereotypes and contributing to the anti-slavery movement. Despite facing adversity, she paved the way for future Black writers and artists, proving that Black humanity was not dependent on their achievements but inherent.

Takeaways

• 📝 Phillis Wheatley was the first English-speaking Black woman to publish a book and her poetry challenged stereotypes about Black people's intellectual abilities.
• 🌍 Wheatley was born in West Africa and taken to New England at the age of eight, where she was enslaved by the Wheatley family, who treated her somewhat differently from most enslaved people.
• 📚 Despite being enslaved, Phillis was taught to read and write, and she became literate within four years of arriving in Boston.
• ✍️ Wheatley's first major poem was an elegy for George Whitefield, a prominent minister during the Great Awakening, which earned her recognition and propelled her to fame.
• 👩‍🎓 Wheatley’s success as a poet became a symbol of the intellectual capabilities of Black people and contributed to the anti-slavery movement.
• 🧐 Famous figures like Thomas Jefferson dismissed Wheatley’s work, but her poetry countered widespread racist beliefs about Black inferiority.
• 📖 Wheatley published her book, *Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral*, in 1773, becoming the second American woman of any race to publish a book.
• ⚖️ Her life forced many Americans to reconsider their racist assumptions, but her humanity did not rely on her literary achievements—it was inherent because she was human.
• 🖋 Phillis Wheatley’s contributions laid the foundation for future generations of Black writers and poets, influencing figures like Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and modern-day rappers.
• 🎤 Wheatley’s work remains a significant example of how Black creativity and excellence persisted despite the oppressive conditions of slavery.

Q & A

Who is the host of Crash Course Black American History?

Clint Smith is the host of Crash Course Black American History.

What was the impact of Black people on American culture according to the script?

Black people, particularly enslaved individuals, significantly influenced American culture through their creativity, ingenuity, and brilliance in music, art, and literature.

Who is Phillis Wheatley and why is she significant?

Phillis Wheatley was the first English-speaking Black woman to publish a book. She is significant because her poetry and success challenged stereotypes about the intellectual abilities of African descendants and contributed to the anti-slavery movement.

What was the title of Phillis Wheatley's first published poem?

The title of Phillis Wheatley's first published poem was 'An Elegiac Poem, on the Death of That Celebrated Divine, and Eminent Servant of Jesus Christ, The Late Reverend, and Pious George Whitefield.'

What was the Great Awakening and how did it influence Phillis Wheatley?

The Great Awakening was a religious movement emphasizing spiritual rebirth and conversion to Christianity. It influenced Phillis Wheatley by providing a religious and intellectual environment that allowed her to become literate and eloquent in English.

Who were the three theologians that started the Great Awakening?

The three theologians that started the Great Awakening were John Wesley, his brother Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield.

How did Phillis Wheatley's work affect the perception of Black people's intellect during her time?

Phillis Wheatley's work forced many to question their assumptions about Black people's intellect and humanity, countering the stereotype that they were less intelligent. Her literary success was used as evidence for mental equality.

What was Thomas Jefferson's opinion on Phillis Wheatley's poetry?

Thomas Jefferson expressed doubt about Phillis Wheatley's poetic abilities in his book 'Notes on the State of Virginia,' suggesting that her compositions were not of a quality to merit serious criticism and that her work did not reflect the capacity for true poetry.

When and how did Phillis Wheatley die?

Phillis Wheatley died prematurely at the age of 31 on December 5, 1784.

What was the title of Phillis Wheatley's published book and what does it signify?

The title of Phillis Wheatley's published book was 'Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.' It signifies that she was the first English-speaking person of African descent to publish a book and the second American woman of any race to do so.

How did Phillis Wheatley's life and work impact future generations of Black writers?

Phillis Wheatley's life and work laid the foundation for generations of Black writers, with poets like Robert Hayden, Langston Hughes, Gwendylyn Brooks, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, and Claudia Rankin, as well as contemporary artists like Lauryn Hill or Kendrick Lamar, acknowledging her influence.