The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, central New Jersey’s first dedicated Black History Museum, will present “Meet Phillis Wheatley,” a live theatrical performance at the historic Mt. Zion AME Church, 189 Hollow Road, Skillman, N.J., at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 and 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10.
An audience Q&A will take place after each performance. The museum will be open from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 10.
Phillis Wheatley was a 7-year-old girl when she was kidnapped from West Africa and sold into slavery in Boston. In 1773, while still enslaved, she became the first published African American poet in United States history.
Although not as well known today as African American leaders such as Harriet Tubman or Sojourner Truth, Phillis Wheatley was one of the most famous poets of her era and her writing was praised by leading Revolutionary figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
SSAAM invites students, teachers, and members of the general public to celebrate Black History Month with this immersive performance from actor and educator Dr. Daisy Century of American Historical Theatre. The world would be less beautiful and less inspired without Phillis Wheatley, and Dr. Century, also a published author, portrays the brilliant young poet with respect and flair.
SSAAM is proud of its partnership with Princeton University Art Museum and grateful for its sponsorship of this special event.
This event is free to the public but pre-registration is required at: https://www.ssaamuseum.org/upcoming-events.
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