Ann Plato
Ann Plato was a pioneering African American poet, essayist, and educator in nineteenth-century New England, particularly active in Hartford, Connecticut. Although details of her early life remain unclear, she was part of a vibrant African American community that faced significant educational challenges, often relying on home and church-based education. Plato was deeply influenced by the educated ministers of her congregation and was involved in teaching at the Elm Street School, where she dedicated herself to her students despite the school's limited resources.
Her literary contributions include the 1841 publication of "Essays, Including Biographies and Miscellaneous Pieces, in Prose and Poetry," which aimed to inspire readers toward Protestant Christian beliefs through intellectual and spiritual discourse. Plato's writing reflects her knowledge of notable authors and includes profiles that highlight the positive impact of faith on women's lives. As a writer, she often drew from her personal experiences, showcasing the themes of education and family structure in her poetry. Ann Plato is recognized as the first African American woman to publish essays and one of the earliest African American women poets, marking her significant place in literary history.
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Ann Plato
Writer
- Born: c. 1820
- Died: c. 1850
Biography
Ann Plato was an African American poet, essayist, and educator who lived in New England during the nineteenth century. Although there are no records of her early life, there are indications that she was educated in the African American community of Hartford, Connecticut. During her lifetime, most African American children were educated at home or in their churches. African Americans established some schools, but most were temporary sites that were poorly staffed and inadequately supplied. As a member of the Talcott Street Congregational Church, Plato was influenced by the piety and intelligence of educated African American ministers such as the Reverend Amos Beeman, the Reverend Hosea Easton, and the Reverend James Pennington. It is also likely that was acquainted with James Mars, an activist in the Hartford Community.
The black community operated two schools in the Hartford area. Plato taught students in one of them. The Elm Street School, also known as the South African School, was the school where she taught. It was poorly equipped with only a few books and the students only occasionally attended. Although she was not noted as a distinguished educator, her dedication was evident. Plato realized the importance of education for her students and she emphasized public speaking in her teaching. Her students’ performances merited a report in the local abolitionist newspaper, the Charter Oak.
Plato was a very religious woman who reflected her beliefs in her writing. She was the author of Essays, Including Biographies and Miscellaneous Pieces, in Prose and Poetry, published in 1841. Plato’s essays in this collection are persuasive pieces intended to influence others to become Protestant Christians by providing readers with intellectual as well as spiritual enlightenment. Her writing includes references to many famous writers such as Benjamin Franklin and John Milton, demonstrating that she was well educated in both contemporary and classical authors.
Plato also wrote profiles of women whose Christian faith helped them to live admirable lives. Her poetry may be autobiographical, since some poems refer to the preparation required of a teacher or to family structure. Plato’s poetry emphasizes the positive aspects of her life in Connecticut and her relative freedom. At least one of her poems makes a reference to Phyllis Wheatley, indicating that Plato may have been acquainted with other African American poets in her time period. Ann Plato remains noteworthy as the first African American woman to write and publish essays, and as one of the first African American women poets.