Lucy Terry is credited with being the author of the poem, "The Bars Fight," describing the last Indian attack on residents of Deerfield on August 25, 1746. "The Bars Fight,” is the earliest known work of literature written by an African in America. The poem was first published in 1855 in Josiah Holland's, History of Western Massachusetts. Please visit this link to read "The Bars Fight" and to learn more about the life of The African Poetess, Lucy Prince Terry.
Photo and information source: memorialhall.mass.edu, blackfacts.com, wikipedia, and gibbsmagazine.com
Book on Subject:
Lucy Terry Prince, Singer of History: A Brief Biography
5 comments:
Beautiful.
Very interesting though, that she spoke about the Indians in such a savage format. I wonder if that was why she was published?
I felt the same way. It sounds as if she bought into the public feeling of Indians during that time. However, many of the Africans who escaped slavery often ran to the Indians for shelter. Thanks, Taabia. :D
Her artistry is commendable, even though her perceptions are a bit jaded or maybe influenced by her immediate environment. However, I too wonder if she was writing for a specific audience. Is this a case of antebellum commercialism? Thanks Stephen, I am enjoying Ourstory.....
Kaya
Kaya, thanks for the comment. I love that term, "antebellum commercialism." :D We must continue to tell Ourstory. Stay blessed brother.
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