Phillis Wheatley

(Born 1753 in West Africa — Died 1784)

Phillis Wheatley, sometimes spelled Phyllis, was born in West Africa and transported to America as a slave. Her first name was derived from the ship that carried her, while her surname came from her owner, John Wheatley. It is estimated that she was around eight years old at the time of her arrival, as no birth records were maintained for enslaved individuals. John Wheatley purchased her to assist his wife, Susanna, but soon recognized her remarkable aptitude for learning, particularly when his children began teaching her to write. Mrs. Wheatley was impressed by Phillis's quick grasp of knowledge and developed a fondness for her. Instead of performing the typical chores assigned to other enslaved people, Phillis received an education from the Wheatley family.

Phillis excelled in poetry and had several of her works published locally. Her master provided unwavering support for her talents and even wrote letters on her behalf to publishers.

In 1773, following Susanna Wheatley's passing, Phillis was granted her freedom. She used her poetry as a means to combat the injustices of slavery. During the Siege of Boston in 1775, she penned a poem titled "To His Excellency George Washington," which she sent to his headquarters in Cambridge. In 1776, Washington invited her to meet him, where he praised her poem that celebrated his achievements and leadership.

George Washington, who served as the Commanding General of the Continental Army, later became the first President of the United States from April 30, 1789, to March 4, 1797.

Here is the poem written by Phillis Wheatley to George Washington:

Proceed, great chief, with virtue on thy side, Thy ev’ry action let the goddess guide. A crown, a mansion, and a throne that shine, With gold unfading, WASHINGTON! Be thine.

Phillis continued to write poetry and eventually published a collection, becoming the first African American to do so. Her book, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, garnered international acclaim.

In 1778, she married John Peters, a freedman, but tragically died at the young age of 31 due to complications from childbirth in 1784. The location of her burial remains unknown, as was common for many enslaved or formerly enslaved individuals. Nevertheless, Boston honors her memory with a statue located on Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Phillis Wheatley's legacy as an activist through her poetry emphasized the intelligence and capability of African Americans.

(Facts sourced from HBI (Historic Boston Incorporated) and Curiosity is the Spark.)

Dr. Charles Richard Drew

(Born June 3, 1904 — Died April 1, 1950)

It is reported that every two seconds, a blood transfusion is necessary in the United States, yet few recognize Dr. Charles Drew's pivotal role in making this life-saving procedure possible. Dr. Drew pioneered the use of plasma as a substitute for whole blood transfusions and developed a method for storing blood safely. He established two of the earliest blood banks.

A talented athlete in high school, Dr. Drew received an athletic scholarship to Amherst College. It was only during his college years that he began to take his studies seriously. He earned his MD and CM from McGill University School of Medicine in Montreal in 1933, later obtaining a Doctorate in Medical Science from Columbia University, becoming the first African American to achieve this honor.

Dr. Drew is regarded as one of the most significant figures in 20th-century medicine, having advanced blood preservation techniques that have saved countless lives.

(Facts sourced from Envision Blog.)

Benjamin Banneker

(Born November 9, 1731 — Died October 9, 1806)

Benjamin Banneker was a largely self-taught mathematician and astronomer, known for constructing the first American clock. A free black man, he owned a farm near Baltimore, Maryland. His grandmother, an Irish-born former indentured servant, taught him to read and write, and he furthered his education in a racially diverse one-room schoolhouse.

Banneker was also an author who urged Thomas Jefferson to advocate for racial equality. Jefferson, a former U.S. President, was instrumental in drafting the Declaration of Independence.

In 1752, Banneker gained notoriety for creating a fully functional wooden clock that kept accurate time for many years. In 1789, he began making astronomical calculations and successfully predicted a solar eclipse.

Additionally, Banneker published an almanac that provided valuable information to farmers regarding weather and seasonal variations. He played a crucial role in the planning of Washington, D.C.

A postage stamp was created in his honor:

Benjamin Banneker demonstrated that with minimal formal education, a thirst for knowledge can lead to significant contributions to society. However, it took many years for him to gain acceptance in the intellectual community.

(Facts sourced from Google.com and Biography.com.)

The achievements of African Americans have significantly enriched our nation's development, health, and overall well-being.

I hope you found this information illuminating regarding the contributions of remarkable Black Americans. Your feedback is welcome.