Not only was it legal until the Nat Turner rebellion, sometimes the slave was educated with the master’s children. Everyone in the colonies was expected to learn reading so he or she could read the Bible.
Some, who were exceptionally talented, were educated in advanced studies. Each one who stood in the spotlight was a spokesperson for the intelligence and talents of their race.
A case in point is Phyllis (named for the slave ship) Wheatley (her master’s surname.).
Phyllis was a poet so talented that she toured Europe. She was the first American slave, the first person of African descent, and the third American colonial woman to be published.
Her life of 1753-1784 spanned the American Revolutionary War. Here are some of her poems:
- On Being Brought from Africa to America: This poem describes her Christian perspective that “everything works together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” She doesn’t like enslavement, but credits her abduction with learning about the Christian faith and how to get to heaven.
“Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,
May be refined, and join th’ angelic train.”
- To the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 1768: This poem expresses loyalty to King George III and appreciation for the good things he does, especially the recent repeal of the Stamp Act.
- To the Right Honourable William, Earl of Dartmouth, his Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State of North-America, &c: In this poem, she expresses hope that Dartmouth will be kinder and fairer than his predecessor. She relates her slavery to the experience of the colonists that has hopefully now ended.
…That from a father seiz’d his babe belov’d:
Such, such my case. And can I then but pray
Others may never feel tyrannic sway?
- His Excellency General Washington: “Proceed, great chief, with virtue on thy side…”
After publication of her first book, she was set free. She married a free black man. They had three children who seem to have died in infancy. They were always dirt poor. Her husband at one time occupied a cell in a debtor’s prison.