Minerva Literary Association

Minerva Literary Association

The Minerva Literary Association was organized in 1834 by a group of black women, who were interested in literature and poetry, in order to promote self-education through what the group referred to as "polite literature."  Initially started with a membership of thirty, the Association's weekly meetings consisted of programs of readings and recitations of original prose, poetry, and essays, as well as selected pieces.  Some of the members' writings merited use in Poets Corner and other literary publications of the day.

by Aslaku Berhanu

References

Porter, Dorothy B. “The Organized Educational Activities of Negro Literary Societies, 1828-1846.” The Journal of Negro Education. 5.4 (Oct. 1836). 555-576.

Wilson, Joseph. Sketches of the Higher Classes of Colored Society in Philadelphia. Philadelphia: Merrihew and Thompson, 1841.