Century Tells Phillis Wheatley Story

A hush fell over the great room of the Vineland Historical Society. Softly at first, then slowly building, were the sounds of the ocean. Out of sight of the audience, a voice emerged. It was a child’s voice, telling the horrors of a months-long ocean voyage from West Africa to America. A seven-year-old girl, looking pitiful and sickly, was auctioned and bought by the affluent and well-connected Wheatley family of Boston. The name “Phillis” was derived from the ship that brought her to America.

Dr. Daisy Nelson-Century, historical interpreter, actress, educator ,and writer, captivated the audience with her moving portrayal of Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved person who was one of the best-known poets in pre-19th century America. Her book, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, was a groundbreaking achievement, making her the first African-American to publish a book of poems and challenging racist beliefs about intellectual inferiority.

Using only a handful of props, Century told the life story of Phillis Wheatley, beginning as an enslaved person in the Wheatley household, her London publication of her book of poems, to a visit with General George Washington, to her death at age 31 in a boarding house in Boston. 

Century lives in Philadelphia. Her website is www.daisycentury.com. 

The program was made possible by a grant from the Cumberland County Cultural and Heritage Commission and the South Jersey Artist Coalition.