Jarena Lee, born on February 11, 1783, in Cape May, New Jersey, stands as a significant figure in early American religious literature and the African American experience. She is best known for her work as an author, preacher, and activist within the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Lee’s life journey is marked by her spiritual awakening and her pioneering role as one of the first female preachers in the AME Church.

Lee's early life was shaped by her upbringing in a free Black community. Her family was part of a relatively small population of free African Americans in the early 19th century, an environment that allowed her to cultivate her religious beliefs and aspirations. Despite facing the challenges of a racially divided society, she found solace and purpose in her faith, which ultimately propelled her into a life dedicated to preaching and social reform.

Her literary career began with the publication of "The Life and Religious Experience of Jarena Lee" in 1836, making her the first African American woman to publish a memoir. This work not only detailed her personal spiritual journey but also addressed the broader issues of race and gender in the religious landscape of America. Lee's writings were significant in that they provided a voice for Black women and illustrated their struggles and triumphs within a patriarchal society.

In her personal life, Lee married and had children, but her commitment to her spiritual calling often took precedence over traditional domestic roles. She traveled extensively, preaching throughout the United States and advocating for the rights of African Americans. Jarena Lee passed away on July 3, 1864, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire those who seek to understand the intersection of faith, race, and gender in American history.