Phillis Wheatley marks the beginning of the African-American literary tradition. Although she was the first African American to become a published author, it is Wheatley's work that proves her originality because it reflects a specific era in American history, her status as a slave and as a young woman of faith Christian (Harris). Each of these intrinsically contributes to his new African-American perspective. Wheatley is ingenious in the way she subtly connects the roots of slavery and racism in a way that white people don't feel wary of. Not only does his work allow those with a conscience to at least somewhat consider the African-American point of view, but it draws criticism from those who do not care to see African-Americans as intelligent, equal beings who deserve respect. Part of the African American community also criticizes the fact that Wheatley did not speak out enough about the injustices of slavery and the prejudices of his time (Scheick). These critics are simply unable to see Wheatley's intent, as her writing draws originality and attention to a well-educated young African American woman whose words could stifle her freedoms if phrased any other way. In evaluating Wheatley's On Being Brought from Africa to America, An Hymn to the Evening, and To the University of Cambridge, New England, it is clear that she could perhaps only be imitative in her style, but the nuances of his heritage are what place his “writing at the heart of any definition of an African-American canon” (Harris). On Being Brought from Africa to America, Wheatley's short poem is powerful. How could anyone move past such a pointed argument that directly places one’s race at the forefront? Some view our sable race with a contemptuous eye: “Their color is...... middle of paper...... they have it. rights or freedoms and whose very words could imprison his life beyond the restrictions already clearly stated. Wheatley shows evidence of the tight rope she walked when it came to putting words on paper. However, Wheatley graciously opened the doors for other African Americans to record their history, and in an unobtrusive way, she incorporates where her roots came from. Works Cited Flauzbaum, Hilene. "Unprecedented Freedoms: Rereading Phillis Wheatley." MELUS 33.3 (2008): 27+ Academic OneFile Web. March 24, 2014. Scheik, William J. “Submission and Prophecy in Phillis Wheatley's Verse Paraphrases” Academic Literature 22.3 (1995);. 2014.