In Early Negro Writing, first published in 1971, Dorothy Porter presents a rare and indispensable collection of writings of literary, social, and historical importance. Most of the writings contained in this collection are no longer in print. In some cases, only one or two original copies are known to exist.

Early Negro Writing is rich with narratives, poems, essays, and public addresses by many of America's early Black literary pioneers and champions of radical equality. Represented in this work are poems by Jupiter Hammon and Phillis Wheatley and a spiritual song by Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The essays in this collection document the fact that from the earliest days of this country, Black Americans have voiced their concerns on the subject of freedom, slavery, politics, morals, religion, education, emigration, and other issues. Confronted by an often hostile social environment Blacks learned quickly the value of mutual aid and fraternal organizations. Addresses by Masonic organizer and abolitionist Prince Hall and others highlight the importance of these ealry self-help efforts. 

Although other collections of Black writing have been published since 1971, Early Negro Writing remains unique and one of the most extensive collections of writings by about about early Black Americans.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dorothy Porter, retired librarian and Curator Emerita of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University, has devoted most of her life to research writing, and helping others gain a deeper understanding of the history of Africa and its people throughout the Diaspora.

CATEGORY

History, Literature