Not a Man and Yet a Man

<p><I>Not a Man and Yet a Man</I> (1877) is a collection of poems by A.A. Whitman. A former slave Whitman worked as a laborer before finding employment as a financial agent and fundraiser for Wilberforce University the first historically black college owned and operated by African Americans. In these poems Whitman depicts the story of the nation on an epic scale weaving history and personal experience into a compelling narrative of hope promise and betrayal. Intended to promote the mission of Wilberforce <I>Not a Man and Yet a Man</I> has been praised for its scope and Romantic style since its publication. My pen appeals to right and common sense. / The black man has a cause deny who dares / And him to vindicate my muse prepares. Freed from slavery during the Civil War A.A. Whitman worked and obtained an education in the early days of Reconstruction a period of immense progress that nevertheless proved the dire need to change the hearts and minds of white Americans. Although they had been freed by law many African Americans whether born free or formerly enslaved suffered violence and prejudice as they attempted to enter the workforce build their families and establish themselves as property owners around the country. For Whitman it had to be made clear how their sweat has poured to swell our ample stores / [their] blood run freely to defend our shores; / And prayers ascended to the Lord of all / To save the nation of a direful fall. Not only had African Americans built the nation they joined the Union Army by the thousands to protect it-in one way or another the debt had to be repaid. <I>Not a Man and Yet a Man</I> is a brilliant debut from a pioneering voice in nineteenth century American poetry. This edition of A.A. Whitman's <I>Not a Man and Yet a Man</I> is a classic of African American literature reimagined for modern readers.</p> <p>Since our inception in 2020 <b>Mint Editions</b> has kept sustainability and innovation at the forefront of our mission. Each and every Mint Edition title gets a fresh professionally typeset manuscript and a dazzling new cover all while maintaining the integrity of the original book.</p> <p>With thousands of titles in our collection we aim to spotlight diverse public domain works to help them find modern audiences. Mint Editions celebrates a breadth of literary works curated from both canonical and overlooked classics from writers around the globe.</p>