Tricentennial of Jupiter Hammon, African American Poet and Slave, born Oct. 17, 1711

[Historical plaque honoring Jupiter Hammon; Title page from a work written by Jupiter Hammon]

John Malveaux of MusicUNTOLD.com sends word of Jupiter Hammon, who was born 300 years ago yesterday. The above photos and a biography are found at: http://www.lloydharborhistoricalsociety.org/jupiter.html

“Monday, Oct 17, we celebrated African American poetry day. On Oct 17, Jupiter Hammon, the first African American to publish poetry in the United States, was born in Long Island, New York, in 1711. In honor of Hammon's birth, we celebrate the contributions of all African Americans to the world of poetry.”