In 1732, the Moravian Brethren began their missionary work in the Caribbean, focusing on enslaved Africans. Their approach emphasized personal piety and the spiritual needs of the enslaved, contrasting with other missionary efforts of the time. This initiative not only aimed to spread Christianity but also highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity and social justice in religious outreach.

The founding of the Moravian Missions in the Caribbean led to the emergence of slave narratives and spiritual songs, which became crucial in shaping abolitionist poetry. Poets like Phyllis Wheatley drew on these experiences, infusing their work with themes of freedom and resilience.