There was a time when we were not slaves; that's not where our story begins. Before Africans were forced into slavery, we had a rich culture made up of talented artists, musicians, dancers, and most importantly, storytellers. The storyteller or griot is an African historian responsible for preserving the traditions of his people through historical narratives, songs of praise, and dances. Although the recitation of our stories began long ago, it was not until the 18th century that African American literature was published. In 1760, Phillis Wheatley, a young girl kidnapped from West Africa and enslaved by a Bostonian slave owner, published her first work of poetry at age 12. She didn't usually write about slavery and racism, but her work reflected her life as an educated, privileged girl living in Boston. Literature from the past to the present often reflects experiences we have encountered throughout history, whether subliminal or intentional. Writings do not always reflect oppression and just like other cultures we have myriad stories to tell...