Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, /May be refin'd and join th' angelic train.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the potential for redemption and elevation of all people, regardless of race or background.
Phillis Wheatley highlights the profound belief that all individuals, including Black people who have faced oppression, are capable of refinement and should be embraced within the divine and spiritual realms. This quote serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent dignity and worth found in every person, challenging societal prejudices and celebrating the universal potential for goodness and connection to the divine.
In practice
At a community gathering, one might use this quote to inspire discussions about equality and spirituality.
Aurora hail, and all the thousand dies,_x000D_ Which deck thy progress through the vaulted skies:_x000D_ The morn awakes, and wide extends her rays,_x000D_ On ev'ry leaf the gentle zephyr plays;_x000D_ Harmonious lays the feather'd race resume,_x000D_ Dart the bright eye, and shake the painted plume.
In every human Beast, God has implanted a Principle, which we call Love of Freedom; it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance.
Don't settle down and sit in one place. Move around, be nomadic, make each day a new horizon.
I want you to get excited about who you are, what you are, what you have, and what can still be for you. I want to inspire you to see that you can go far beyond where you are right now.
I was not naturally talented. I didn't sing, dance or act, though working around that minor detail made me inventive.
And now let me address all of you, high and low, rich and poor, one with another, to accept of mercy and grace while it is offered to you; Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation; and will you not accept it, now it is offered unto you?
I think I've far exceeded what I ever thought I could possibly do. I'm almost shocked that I'm still around after all of these years . . . and always grateful that I get another turn to do something.
I kicked the door open, and I'm gonna hold my leg in there. I'm keeping the door open for all these amazing female singer-songwriters that are coming out.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.