Study Notes on the Black Freedom Petition Movement and Phillis Wheatley

Black Freedom Petition Movement

  • The Black Freedom Petition Movement emerged prominently in the 1770s, specifically in 1773 and 1774.
  • Significant actions included the submission of five petitions to the Massachusetts legislature by black individuals advocating for freedom.
    • First Petition (1773)
      • Submitted by an enslaved man named Brooke, directed to the governor of Massachusetts.
      • The petition requested an act that would end slavery and recognize freed men as citizens of the colony.
      • The petition was reviewed by a subcommittee but was ultimately tabled due to a lack of agreement among legislators.
    • Second Petition (Felix Holbrook, 1774)
      • This petition had more signatures than the first, indicating growing support for the cause.
      • The approach shifted; instead of asking for citizenship and integration into the colony, they requested freedom with a promise to leave the colony.
      • The petition proposed that the freed individuals would return to Africa to establish their own settlements.
      • Despite this earnest appeal, the Massachusetts legislature ignored it.
  • The failures of these petitions did not deter others from engaging in the freedom petition movement, which saw more petitions emerge during and after the War for Independence.

Phillis Wheatley: A Case Study

  • Phillis Wheatley serves as a prominent figure in the narrative of black freedom and agency.

    • Background
      • Born around 1753 on the Northwestern Coast of Africa, specific details of her early life remain unclear, including her African identity.
      • Captured by slave traders around the age of 7 or 8, she underwent the brutal Middle Passage and arrived in Massachusetts in July 1761.
      • Upon arrival, she was purchased by John Wheatley as a gift for his wife, Susanna.
      • Her initial appearance was described as small, sickly, and unaccustomed to English.

  • Her Education

    • Demonstrated remarkable intellectual abilities early on; she learned to write by observing the white children in the Wheatley household.
    • After being denied chalk, she began writing with charcoal on the walls, which led Susanna’s daughter, Mary, to tutor her in reading and writing in English.
    • Philanthropic efforts within the household supported her education, allowing her to learn Latin and access classical works, fostering her love for poetry.
    • By 1767, at 12 years of age, she began writing poetry, eventually gaining recognition for her skill.

  • Publishing Journey

    • Her first poem was published in the Newport Mercury with the endorsement of Susanna Wheatley, who identified her as her "black slave".
    • Wheatley’s work aligned her with notable black intellectuals like Jupiter Hammond, representing contributions to the Enlightenment.
    • Gained international acclaim for her elegy in memory of the famous evangelist George Whitefield.
      • Her work addressed themes of race and universal humanity, challenging perceptions of black identity.
    • In 1773, with support from Countess Selena Hastings, her poetry collection titled "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral" was published, making her the first African American author to publish a book.
      • The book included a letter affirming her authorship and a special portrait, highlighting the racial dynamics of authorship at the time.

  • Interpersonal Relationships

    • The nature of her relationship with the Wheatleys is complex, raising questions about their motivations in promoting her literary career.
    • Following her book's success, the Wheatleys emancipated her but she continued living with them due to financial constraints.

War for Independence and Political Engagement

  • The onset of the War for Independence in April 1775 shifted allegiances, impacting the Wheatley household.
  • Phillis, leaning toward the rebels’ cause, penned a poem in honor of General George Washington, garnering attention and intercolonial fame.
    • Washington personally responded to her poem, providing a rare recognition of a formerly enslaved person by a major historical figure.
    • The responding letter from Washington was notable; he praised her talent and granted an invitation to meet him.
  • Their meeting was historic, taking place amid the revolutionary activities, signifying a remarkable encounter for a black woman of her time.

Post-War Challenges and Legacy

  • After the war, Phillis Wheatley faced economic hardships, struggling to publish a second book of poetry despite her earlier fame.
  • There are various accounts regarding her life and financial struggles; one account suggests personal tragedy following potential complications from childbirth.
  • Wheatley's legacy persisted as a pivotal figure in the narrative of the Black Enlightenment, emphasizing her role in challenging the pervasive ideologies of racial inferiority.
  • Her communications, including a compelling letter addressing the hypocrisy of slaveholders advocating for liberty while enslaving others, further cement her legacy as a critical voice in American history.

Summary of Themes and Implications

  • The narrative demonstrates the intersection of race, literacy, and activism during the formative years of America.
  • The efforts of the black freedom petition movement paved a way for future political activism and awareness of civil rights.
  • The life and achievements of Phillis Wheatley illustrate the potential for intellect and artistry to transcend oppressive circumstances and challenge societal norms.
  • The recognition from figures like George Washington underscores the complicated dynamics of race, power, and recognition during the revolutionary era.
  • The ethical and philosophical implications regarding the nature of liberty, equality, and the recognition of human dignity are profoundly explored through the lens of Wheatley's experiences and writings.