Jupiter Hammon

Jupiter Hammon (1711–1806) was an African American poet and slave, considered one of the first published Black writers in the United States. Born in Long Island, New York, Hammon was enslaved on the estate of the Lloyd family, where he spent most of his life. Despite the severe limitations placed on his life as a slave, Hammon became known for his writings that expressed Christian values and highlighted the importance of spiritual salvation. His most famous work, "An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ, with Penitential Cries" (1760), was a religious poem that conveyed his belief in redemption and salvation through Christ, a theme that permeated much of his work.

Hammon’s writings were often shaped by his religious convictions, particularly his Christian faith and the teachings of Methodism. He used his position as a literate slave to spread messages of hope and spiritual strength within the Black community, calling for the recognition of both personal salvation and the importance of patience in enduring the hardships of slavery. Although Hammon's work was deeply spiritual, it also reflects his desire to make a mark in a world that largely denied him both freedom and recognition as a writer.

One of Hammon’s significant quotes is: "I was born in a land of liberty, and yet I am a slave. But my soul is free, and I will praise the Lord for His mercy." This speaks to his inner spiritual freedom, despite his external oppression. Another memorable quote from him is: "Let us, my brethren, continue to seek the Lord with all our hearts, for He will be found of us." This reflects his unwavering faith in the power of faith and prayer to guide and sustain people through difficult circumstances.