February 4, 2022

Phyllis Wheatey's poem, "On Coming to America" draws us into its soulful plea for democracy in religion and for erasure of prejudice.

"Some see our sable race with scornful eye"

Anyone "can join the angelic train."

'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,

Taught my benighted soul to understand

That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:

Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.

Some view our sable race with scornful eye,

"Their colour is a diabolic die."

Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,

May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.