Poems by a Slave: Poetry Written by an African American in Chapel Hill, North Carolina during the 1820s and 1830s

"Poems by a Slave: Poetry Written by an African American in Chapel Hill, North Carolina during the 1820s and 1830s" encapsulates the poignant and powerful verses of George Moses Horton, a self-taught poet who, despite the shackles of slavery, cultivated his literary talents under oppressive conditions. Born into bondage, Horton's aversion to manual labor led him to the solace of literature, where he voraciously read and eventually penned his own emotionally charged poems. His works, rich with themes of love, loss, and the harsh realities of slave life, reflect a yearning for freedom and intellectual expression that transcends his circumstances. Despite his attempts to secure freedom through his poetry earnings, Horton remained enslaved until the Emancipation Proclamation. His story, culminating in an eventual move to Liberia, offers a unique lens on racial justice, education equity, and economic justice, making it an essential read for high school students seeking to understand the deep historical roots of these ongoing struggles. Published in 1837, this collection not only serves as a testament to Horton's resilience and talent but also as an inspiration to those who advocate for social justice and human dignity.