Well, the first African American novel was a milestone in the history of American literature. It was a form of resistance against the dominant white narrative. It was a way for African Americans to assert their identity. By writing novels, African American authors could explore their heritage, family values, and the dreams of their community. It also inspired future generations of African American writers to continue to write and tell their stories.
One of the significant aspects is that it provided a voice for African Americans in the literary world. It allowed them to tell their own stories, experiences of slavery, discrimination, and their struggle for freedom and equality. For example, 'Clotel; or, The President's Daughter' by William Wells Brown was an early African American novel that exposed the horrors of slavery through its narrative.