Phyllis Wheatley, the first African American to publish a book of poetry in 1773, was the author of the famous poem “Being brought from Africa to America”. In this poem, the crucial word that gives a tone to the whole effect and interpretation, especially in the modern realities is “brought”. This word offers a room for speculations, especially considering the content and the conclusions of the author, but reading this poem today, in my opinion, makes the emphasis on “brought” of a significant importance. Wheatley described her African ancestors as non-Christian and believed that she was brought to America by mercy and kindness. She ended the poem by stating that Africans might be “refined” and be brought to God by joining the “angel train” of (white) individuals. In the poem, she reminded her readers that, despite her race, anybody might be brought to the chorus of the heavenly, regardless of skin color.
In “Being brought from Africa to America”, Wheatley tried to demonstrate that Christianity offers redemption to all individuals, regardless of color, although the offered salvation can be done only by bringing to it. To some extent, she presented a small challenge against racism in America, elaborating on the fundamental human values of the Christian theology. However, the emphasis on the inability to reach the status by the africans themselves mirrors the prejudices of the era and continue to reverberate even today. Although in the modern world, the institution of slavery does not exist anymore, thousands of people migrate to America in hopes to be brought to redemption and a new life. However, most of them soon being stuck in limbo between brought and their own culture.