Jupiter Hammon (October 17, 1711–c.1806) was a trailblazing African American poet, writer, and one of the earliest published Black voices in American literature. Born into slavery on Long Island, New York, Hammon was owned by the prominent Lloyd family, who held a large estate in Oyster Bay. Despite the oppressive conditions of enslavement, Hammon gained access to education, likely through the Lloyds, who allowed him to learn reading and writing—an uncommon privilege for enslaved individuals in the 18th century. This education, combined with his deep Christian faith, shaped his literary output and worldview, making him a significant figure in early African American intellectual history.
Hammon’s literary career began with the publication of his poem An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ, with Penitential Cries in 1760, widely regarded as the first poem published by an African American in the American colonies. Written in a devotional style, the poem reflects Hammon’s fervent Christian beliefs, emphasizing salvation, repentance, and divine grace. Its rhythmic structure and hymn-like quality suggest it may have been intended for communal worship or personal reflection, resonating with both enslaved and free audiences of the time. Hammon’s poetry often balanced spiritual themes with the realities of his enslaved condition, subtly weaving messages of hope and resilience into his work without directly challenging the institution of slavery.
In addition to poetry, Hammon wrote essays and sermons, including his notable An Address to the Negroes in the State of New-York (1787), delivered to the African Society of New York City. This prose work urged enslaved and free Black individuals to embrace Christian virtues, such as piety, honesty, and obedience, as a means of spiritual liberation and moral strength. While some modern scholars critique Hammon’s apparent acceptance of slavery in this address—particularly his advice to enslaved people to obey their masters—others argue that his words reflect a strategic pragmatism, navigating the dangers of openly opposing slavery in a society hostile to Black voices. His call for moral integrity and education subtly laid the groundwork for later abolitionist thought, emphasizing the dignity and humanity of African Americans.
Hammon’s life was deeply intertwined with the Lloyd family, and records suggest he served in various roles, possibly as a clerk or bookkeeper, given his literacy. He lived through significant historical upheavals, including the American Revolution, which may have influenced his perspectives on freedom and faith, though he remained enslaved for much, if not all, of his life. The exact date and circumstances of his death remain uncertain, with estimates placing it around 1806, likely in Oyster Bay. No definitive evidence confirms whether he was emancipated before his death.
Jupiter Hammon’s legacy endures as a testament to the intellectual and creative resilience of enslaved African Americans. His works, though shaped by the constraints of his era, offer a window into the spiritual and moral complexities of a man who used poetry and prose to assert his humanity in a dehumanizing world. Today, scholars celebrate Hammon as a foundational figure in African American literature, whose contributions paved the way for future generations of Black writers and thinkers. His ability to craft eloquent, thought-provoking works under the shadow of slavery underscores his enduring significance as a pioneer of American letters.