Nestle into a Good Book
Phillis Wheatley
Wheatley was born around 1753 in Gambia, Africa, and was enslaved and transported to America in 1761. She was purchased by the Wheatley family in Boston, who provided her with an education and nurtured her literary talents.
In 1773, Wheatley released her groundbreaking collection, *Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral*, making her the first African American and enslaved individual to publish a book, as well as the third colonial American woman to do so. Her poetry was influenced by esteemed poets like Alexander Pope and Thomas Gray, while also celebrating her African heritage.
Wheatley's literary contributions remain a significant focus of academic study, and her influence has motivated countless writers throughout the years. She has been honored by various institutions, including the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA in Washington, DC, and a branch of the Rochester Public Library in New York.
The Legacy of David Ruggles: The First Black Bookstore in New York City
In the heart of 19th century New York City, a remarkable figure emerged who would pave the way for African American entrepreneurship and literature. David Ruggles, an African American abolitionist, journalist, and activist, established what is widely considered the first black-owned bookstore in the city, leaving an indelible mark on the literary and cultural landscape of America.
Born in 1810 in New York City, Ruggles grew up during a time when the nation was grappling with the complexities of slavery, racial injustice, and the fight for civil rights. His passion for literature and education was evident from a young age, and he quickly became involved in abolitionist movements. Ruggles understood that access to literature was crucial for empowerment and social change, particularly for African Americans who were systematically denied both.
In the 1830s, Ruggles opened his bookstore on the corner of Church and Leonard Streets, a pioneering endeavor that provided African Americans and abolitionists access to a wealth of knowledge, literature, and political pamphlets. This bookstore was not merely a retail space; it served as a cultural hub and a gathering place for intellectuals, activists, and community members who were committed to the fight against slavery and for civil rights.
Ruggles' bookstore was groundbreaking for several reasons. First, it was one of the few spaces where African Americans could freely engage with literature that spoke to their experiences and aspirations. He curated a collection that included works by prominent abolitionists, writings on civil rights, religious texts, and literature that celebrated black culture. This was particularly significant during a period when African Americans were often portrayed in a negative light in mainstream literature.
Moreover, Ruggles used his bookstore as a platform to disseminate information about the abolitionist movement. He published pamphlets and newsletters that educated the public on the realities of slavery and called for its end. The store became a meeting point for activists, fostering discussions that would shape the future of the abolitionist movement.
Langston Hughes: The Voice of the Harlem Renaissance
Langston Hughes (1902-1967) remains one of the most celebrated figures of American literature, known for his profound contributions to the Harlem Renaissance—a cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in the 1920s in Harlem, New York. As a poet, novelist, playwright, and social activist, Hughes used his voice to address the struggles and triumphs of African Americans, capturing the essence of their experiences while advocating for social justice and racial equality.
Born on February 1, 1902, in Joplin, Missouri, to a mixed-race family, Hughes faced the complexities of racial identity from a young age. His parents divorced when he was a child, and he was raised primarily by his grandmother, Mary Langston. Hughes’s early exposure to his grandmother’s stories about their African American heritage and the struggles faced by Black Americans played a crucial role in shaping his literary voice.
Hughes moved to Cleveland, Ohio, as a teenager, where he began writing poetry. He attended Central High School, where he was elected class poet. After high school, Hughes briefly attended Columbia University but left to pursue his writing career, traveling to Europe and immersing himself in the vibrant cultural scenes of the time.
Hughes returned to the United States in the early 1920s, just as the Harlem Renaissance was gaining momentum. This movement was marked by a flourishing of African American art, literature, and music, as artists sought to reclaim their identities and express their experiences through creative outlets. Hughes quickly became a prominent figure in the movement, using his work to reflect the realities of Black life in America.