The Breakfast Club - Episode: BLK LIT - Phillis Wheatley - The Letters
Release Date: May 12, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to Black Lit and Early African American Literature

Timestamp: [02:48]

Jacquese Thomas opens the episode by introducing Black Lit, a podcast dedicated to exploring black literature and the narratives of its storytellers. She emphasizes that early African American literature extends beyond published books and poetry, encompassing letters, newspapers, songs, and other forms of written expression. This broader perspective unveils profound stories of resilience, connection, and self-definition among African Americans.

"Black literature in early America existed in letters, newspapers, and even songs. So you have to look beyond the obvious." — Jacquese Thomas

Phillis Wheatley and Uber Tanner: A Friendship Amidst Strife

Timestamp: [05:51]

Thomas delves into the correspondence between Phillis Wheatley, a renowned African American poet in Boston, and Uber Tanner, another enslaved black woman in Newport. Their letters, exchanged over six years during the Revolutionary War, offer a rare glimpse into their friendship, faith, and intellectual exchanges.

"What is interesting and beautiful about these letters... is that they share something beyond the ideas of survivor mode. They were building a sisterhood while the world was burning." — Jacquese Thomas

Expert Insights on Black Literature Beyond Books

Timestamp: [04:25]

An Unknown Scholar discusses the necessity of examining various forms of print media to fully understand early black literature. Highlighting letters, newspapers, and songs, the scholar underscores their importance in revealing the depth of African American literary tradition.

"We can't understand black literature if we focus just on books. We have to look to other print media." — Unknown Scholar

The scholar also touches on the evolving nature of black literary studies, noting that recent discoveries continue to reshape our understanding and teaching of early African American literature.

Building Community Through Letters

Timestamp: [05:51]

Thomas explains the unique bond between Wheatley and Tanner, portraying their correspondence as a means of building community and expressing mutual care amidst the chaos of war.

"Phyllis and Uber kept writing, kept sharing, both very aware of the world around them, the community that they were building." — Jacquese Thomas

The Unknown Scholar adds that their letters balance intimate feelings with a performative aspect, suggesting an awareness of the public nature of their correspondence.

"There's some part of it that we got to think about as an element of performativity and then there's some part of it that's more intimate." — Unknown Scholar

Deep Dive into Wheatley's Letter

Timestamp: [13:30]

A poignant letter from Phillis Wheatley to Uber Tanner is read, dated July 19, 1772:

"I have received your kind letter and I am glad to hear of your welfare... Till we meet in the region of consummate blessedness, let us endeavor by the assistance of divine grace to live the life, and we shall die the death of the righteous." — Phillis Wheatley

Thomas analyzes the letter, highlighting Wheatley's deep spirituality and her use of biblical references to express her aspirations for a virtuous life and a blessed afterlife.

"She reflects on her recent illness and conveys her hope that with divine assistance they will lead righteous lives together and ultimately attain eternal happiness." — Jacquese Thomas

Preservation and Legacy of the Letters

Timestamp: [15:36]

The Unknown Scholar discusses the journey of preserving these letters, noting that Uber Tanner kept them until her death, eventually passing them to Katherine Beecher and later to the Massachusetts Historical Society. This preservation ensures that their friendship and correspondence are accessible for future generations.

"Uber held on to [the letters] until right before she dies... which is why we can read the letters today." — Unknown Scholar

Strategic Correspondence and Rhetorical Agency

Timestamp: [17:13]

The conversation shifts to Wheatley's strategic use of her letters to connect with influential figures. The scholar suggests that Wheatley's correspondence was aimed at gaining visibility and influence among those in power.

"She was trying to define a moral authority that would far exceed her temporal time on earth." — Unknown Scholar

Wheatley's ability to "code-switch" allowed her to tailor her messages to resonate with both white and black audiences, advocating for abolitionist ideals and challenging oppressive narratives.

"She had two audiences in mind. One, the white people who might publish her, and two, the black people who would truly understand." — Jacquese Thomas

Wheatley’s Political Engagement

Timestamp: [27:19]

Further analysis reveals how Wheatley integrated political discourse into her letters, questioning the morality of those advocating liberty while perpetuating slavery. She draws parallels between the enslaved Africans of her time and the Israelites in Egypt, asserting that the desire for freedom is innate.

"In every human breast God has implanted a principle which we call love of freedom... 'This I desire not for their hurt, but to convince them of the strange absurdity of their conduct.'" — Phillis Wheatley

The Unknown Scholar emphasizes Wheatley's role in challenging dominant narratives and asserting the humanity and intellectual capacity of enslaved African Americans.

"She was trying out different things, evolving depending on what she thought was possible." — Unknown Scholar

Legacy and Black Joy

Timestamp: [30:47]

Thomas reflects on the enduring legacy of Wheatley and Tanner's friendship, highlighting it as an embodiment of Black joy and resilience. Their letters serve as a testament to their ability to carve out a space where their voices mattered, ensuring their place in history.

"Black writers, preachers and thinkers were flipping the script everywhere, challenging these so-called men of God at every turn." — Jacquese Thomas

Conclusion: Reclaiming Power Through Letters

Timestamp: [31:08]

The final segment underscores how Wheatley and Tanner's letters were more than personal correspondence—they were acts of legacy building. By preserving their friendship through letters, they ensured that their experiences and voices endured beyond their lifetimes.

Jacquese Thomas concludes by thanking the contributors and encouraging listeners to engage with and support the podcast through reviews and participation in writing communities.

"Phillis and Uber built something undeniable. They wrote themselves into history, and history, for once, held on to them." — Jacquese Thomas

Notable Quotes

• "Black literature in general is... we have to look to other print media." — Unknown Scholar ([04:25])

• "Phillis knew this. She expected her words to last. And it is in that act that she reclaimed her power." — Jacquese Thomas ([30:15])

• "Everything I write... to convince them of the strange absurdity of their actions." — Phillis Wheatley ([26:06])

Key Insights

• Diverse Forms of Expression: Early African American literature was not limited to books but included various written forms like letters and newspapers, providing a richer understanding of black literary history.

• Strategic Communication: Phillis Wheatley utilized her correspondence strategically to influence powerful individuals and advocate for abolitionist ideals, demonstrating her intellectual agency.

• Preservation of Legacy: The meticulous preservation of Wheatley's and Tanner's letters highlights the importance of safeguarding historical documents to ensure that the voices of marginalized individuals are remembered.

• Resilience and Community: The letters between Wheatley and Tanner exemplify the resilience and community-building efforts of enslaved African Americans, showcasing their ability to maintain meaningful connections despite oppressive circumstances.

Conclusion

"BLK LIT - Phillis Wheatley - The Letters" offers a profound exploration of Phillis Wheatley's correspondence with Uber Tanner, shedding light on their enduring friendship amidst the tumult of the Revolutionary War. The episode underscores the significance of diverse literary forms in early African American literature and highlights Wheatley's strategic use of letters to challenge oppression and advocate for freedom. Through detailed analysis and historical context, the podcast celebrates the resilience, intellectual agency, and lasting legacy of these two remarkable women.

Special Thanks:
A heartfelt thank you to all guests and contributors, including Bridget Filder, David Walshicer, Cassie Smith, Tara A. Bynum, Halima Shabazz, Don Holmes, and others who provided their expertise and insights.

Stay Connected:
Join a supportive writing community or attend a free creative writing session at blackwritersroom.com to continue the conversation and support black literary voices.

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This summary was crafted to provide an in-depth and engaging overview of the podcast episode, capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions for those who haven't listened.