African American Literary Heritage Trail Introduction

Massachusetts has a rich tradition of African American writing. The state's African American literary history is, in many ways, the history of the state itself: as a common destination for men and women freed or escaped from slavery, an active bed of abolitionist activity, a thriving hub for publication, a varied and inspirational natural setting, and as the home of several universities steeped in the study of race, literature, and creative writing. From Boston to the Berkshires, use this trail to learn more about authors of African descent and their work.