Black History Month

A Chilling Political Autobiography and the Father of Brazilian Realism

Two Extraordinary Black Authors From the 19th Century Americas

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To write as a Black author during the 19th century you simply had to be extraordinary.

Firstly, you had to be free, and of course, many Blacks were still shackled to White masters under slavery. Secondly, you needed to learn to write — and to write well — which essentially required early access to education (certainly not a widespread right) and a great deal of determination towards self-study. Then, on top of all this, to become an author you needed to overcome the racism and classism of the publishing world. All in all, certainly not an easy feat.

Few Black people made it through this oppression, and many beautiful, insightful and creative voices were lost along the way. However, I know of two Black authors who did make it, and whose voices should be remembered and heard.

Harriet Jacobs: Incidents of the Life of a Slave Girl

This autobiography was published in 1861 and tells the story of Jacobs’ life under slavery as well as her long journey to freedom. The story is written as a political call to action; Jacobs writes directly…