Freedom to Express

On Being Brought From Africa to America

By Phillis Wheatley

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"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, Negros, black as Cain,  
May be refin'd and join th'angelic train.  

Thanks to vcu.edu for access to this poem!

On Being Brought From Africa to America is Phillis Wheatley's feelings about her new life as a slave in New England. The title of this particular poem is very simple, but sometimes that's the best way to grab your attention. I know when I write something- anything- I try to come up with some pun or clever title. It's considered artistic. However, Wheatley's direct approach is interesting, too.

First of all, African slaves were expected to convert to Christianity from pagan religions, yet they were considered as evil and from the devil. I don't understand that, because God created black people, too. England used to be a majority pagan nation, too, before King James had the Bible translated into English between 1603 to 1611.

She's right that black people will enter heaven, too, according to Revelations 21:24.  Black people will go to heaven, as well. We all need to be refined by God, so she's not alone. We all need it.

Wheatley may not have written this passage for the public to view, but to express her feelings on being mistreated, like a diary entry. I don't know why people think Cain was black. We don't know what colors Adam and Eve were, because this doesn't matter. Or shouldn't matter. I believe (now this is an educated opinion here) the reason why God made the different races is to see if we could get along. I've never liked people twisting the Scriptures into justifying bad behavior or poor choices. Wheatley is expressing a good thing that did come out of being a slave. She was introduced to Christianity. It's always important to make the most of a terrible situation, even if it's such a degradation as slavery.