Exploring Jupiter Hammon’s Legacy

East Woods School recently welcomed Andrew Tharler, Director of Education at Preservation Long Island, for an insightful presentation on Jupiter Hammon and the Lloyd family of Long Island. Tharler's discussion shed light on the life and writings of Hammon, one of the earliest published African American poets, while also exploring the historical significance of the Henry Lloyd Manor House.

Jupiter Hammon was born into slavery in 1711 on the Lloyd estate in what is now Lloyd Harbor, Long Island. Despite his status, he was educated alongside the Lloyd children and became a devout Christian. His literacy and faith greatly influenced his writings, which addressed themes of slavery, freedom, and spirituality.

Tharler's presentation included Hammon's most notable works, such as An Evening Thought (1760) and An Essay on Slavery (1786). In these writings, Hammon expressed hope and sorrow, reflecting on the struggle of enslaved individuals while advocating for faith and patience. One of his most powerful statements, written in 1786, reads:

"If we should ever get to Heaven, we shall find nobody to reproach us for being black or for being slaves."

Tharler also connected Hammon's work to broader historical contexts, such as the American Revolution and the Battle of Long Island. He highlighted how Hammon observed the contradictions of a nation fighting for liberty while continuing to uphold slavery. In An Essay on Slavery, Hammon remarked on the irony of white Americans' struggle for freedom:

"That liberty is a great thing we may know from our own feelings, and we may likewise judge so from the conduct of the white people in the late war."

The presentation also explored the role of the Lloyd family, whose estate became an important site for understanding the history of slavery in New York. The Henry Lloyd Manor House, built in 1711, still stands today as a reminder of this complex past.

East Woods School would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Bennet family—Tracey '77, Dean '81, and Chris' 86—whose generous support made this special presentation possible. Their dedication to education and historical awareness continues to enrich the experiences of our students and community.

Through Tharler's engaging discussion and historical documents, students and faculty gained a deeper appreciation for Jupiter Hammon's legacy. His words continue to resonate, serving as an important voice in early American literature and the fight for human rights.

For more information about Jupiter Hammon and Long Island's historical preservation efforts, visit Preservation Long Island.