1. “The Divine Mission,” “Jesus, give me of Thy Spirit,” “A Land Above Us” Poems by Alfred Campbell Textual Translating Project By Marian Muldrow “We are not Beasts as you count, and use us, but rational Souls. Can we help it if the Sun, too close and fervent kisses… tinctured us with a dark complexion?” – Thomas Tryon

2. Introduction Author and Text –Alfred Campbell –Born around 1826 –Started writing during the 1850’s –Phillis Wheatley- “On Being Brought to America” Background of Slavery –Evolution –Cultural debate –Literacy

3. Textual Significance Then –Founding moment of African American literature –Expression –Meant to be read aloud Now –Overcoming circumstances –Silent voice of slaves to be heard

4. My Translation “The Free Slave”