Poetry and the Abolitionist Movement:
The power of print media during the abolitionist movement cannot be overstated; as with any political or social movement, rousing the minds and wills of the masses is pivotal in social change, especially in a place as powerfully volatile as 18th and 19th century America. It has been shown that the power of poetry has been ever present since before the founding of this country, as people on both sides of the revolutionary coin fought with the sword as well as the pen to further their ends. The arrival of newspapers and other periodicals and their quick use and easy proliferation throughout the newborn country before, during, and after the Revolution, carrying throughout the continental explorations, and the flexibility to cover any subject, local or national, set the climate for yet another battle of words and wit as the abolitionist movement traveled across the Atlantic and came to a head, bringing the country on the verge of civil war.
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Even decades after abolition, slavery continues to evoke powerful emotions and memories. In today's society, these literary works serve to remind us of our past and where we've come from. They remind us of who we are and what our substance is made of. The poets employed the art of language and writing not only as channels of expressing themselves but also as a means of sensitizing the public to the cruelties, brutalities and injustices perpetrated toward people of color.The literary works of the poets are not just cadences of language; there is a story and a unique experience behind every poem. Their poetry reflect a period of change and crisis.
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Heading photo courtesy of William and Mary (http://cf.swem.wm.edu/exhibits/sampler/gazettelg.html)