The United States Postal Service just released this year their new postage stamp and it features the amazing historical figure Phillis Wheatley. Mrs. Wheatley was an African American poet during the Revolutionary War.
At the same time the United States Postal Service released these stamps, the Oregon 250 Resolution honoring America’s 250th Birthday has been making her among the top Americans at the center of their campaign along with George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
Phillis Wheatley was a committed Christian whose faith was shaped significantly by the Calvinist, evangelical tradition prevalent in 18th-century Boston. In 1771, she became a member of the Old South Meeting House, and her beliefs deeply influenced her poetry. Through her verses, she delved into themes of redemption, salvation, and the fundamental equality of all people in the eyes of God.
Below is how the Oregon 250 project described Phillis Wheatley:
Phillis Wheatley
As a teen African American girl, Phillis Wheatley wrote a poem about the tragedy of the Boston Massacre, which she experienced just outside her home. Her poem became widely popular and courageous, as it was considered a treasonous act against the King.
In heavens eternal court it was decreed
How the first martyr for the cause should bleed
To clear the country of the hated brood
He whet his courage for the common good
Wheatley’s patriotic poetry was so popular that it was sold in Europe. Thomas Paine included her work in his publications, as his books and newspaper were the most prominent voices for the Revolutionary War.
In every human breast, God has implanted
a principle, which we call Love of Freedom;
it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance.
Wheatly wrote inspiring poems about General George Washington and the Colonial Army. Washington took time during the war to meet with her in person to personally thank her for her contribution to the war effort.
Shall I to Washington their praise recite?
Enough thou know’st them in the fields of fight.
Thee, first in peace and honours,—we demand
The grace and glory of thy martial band.
Disclaimer: Articles featured on Oregon Report are the creation, responsibility and opinion of the authoring individual or organization which is featured at the top of every article.