Significant African American Women Writers

Significant African American women writers before 1900 made powerful contributions to literature and social justice. Their works challenged racial and gender norms, highlighting the struggles and resilience of Black women while advocating for freedom, equality, and education in a turbulent era.

1. Phillis Wheatley

   • First published African American female poet in the United States.
   • Her collection "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral" was published in 1773.
   • Challenged the prevailing notions of race and intellect through her literary achievements.
   • Wrote about themes of freedom, religion, and the human experience, often addressing her own status as an enslaved person.

2. Harriet Jacobs

   • Author of "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl," published in 1861, which is one of the first autobiographies by an African American woman.
   • Highlighted the sexual exploitation of enslaved women and the moral dilemmas they faced.
   • Advocated for the abolition of slavery and women's rights, using her narrative to raise awareness.
   • Her work is significant for its candid portrayal of the struggles of enslaved women.

3. Sojourner Truth

   • Renowned abolitionist and women's rights activist, known for her powerful speeches.
   • Delivered the famous "Ain't I a Woman?" speech in 1851, addressing both racial and gender inequalities.
   • Authored "The Narrative of Sojourner Truth," which recounts her life as an enslaved person and her journey to freedom.
   • Her activism and literary contributions emphasized the intersectionality of race and gender.

4. Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

   • A prominent poet, novelist, and activist, known for her work "Iola Leroy," published in 1892.
   • Focused on themes of racial justice, women's rights, and social reform in her writings.
   • One of the first African American women to publish a short story and a novel.
   • Actively participated in the abolitionist movement and the suffrage movement.

5. Harriet E. Wilson

   • Author of "Our Nig," published in 1859, recognized as the first novel published by an African American woman.
   • Explored themes of race, class, and gender through the lens of her own experiences as a free Black woman in the North.
   • Her work provides a unique perspective on the complexities of race relations in pre-Civil War America.
   • Contributed to the literary canon by addressing the struggles of free Black women.

6. Elizabeth Keckley

   • Former enslaved woman who became a successful dressmaker and author of "Behind the Scenes, or, Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House," published in 1868.
   • Provided a unique insider's perspective on the lives of prominent figures, including Mary Todd Lincoln.
   • Advocated for the rights of African Americans and the importance of education.
   • Her narrative sheds light on the experiences of Black women in both slavery and freedom.

7. Ida B. Wells

   • A pioneering journalist and activist known for her anti-lynching campaign and her work in civil rights.
   • Authored "Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases" in 1892, exposing the brutality of lynching.
   • Co-founder of the NAACP and a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement.
   • Her writings and activism highlighted the intersection of race, gender, and social justice.

8. Charlotte Forten Grimké

   • A poet, educator, and abolitionist, known for her journal documenting her experiences as a teacher in the Sea Islands of South Carolina.
   • Her writings reflect the struggles and resilience of African Americans during the Civil War era.
   • Advocated for education and empowerment of Black individuals, particularly women.
   • Contributed to the literary and cultural heritage of African American women through her poetry and prose.

9. Anna Julia Cooper

   • An educator, author, and activist, best known for her book "A Voice from the South," published in 1892.
   • Advocated for the education and empowerment of Black women, emphasizing their role in social change.
   • Her work addressed issues of race, gender, and class, making her a key figure in early feminist thought.
   • Cooper's writings challenged the stereotypes of Black women and called for their inclusion in the fight for equality.

10. Pauline Hopkins

    • A novelist, playwright, and editor, known for her works such as "Contending Forces," published in 1900.
    • Explored themes of race, identity, and social justice in her writings, often highlighting the experiences of African Americans.
    • Contributed to the development of African American literature and the early 20th-century literary movement.
    • Advocated for the representation of African Americans in literature and the arts.