Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley was the first Black American woman to publish a book of poetry, emerging from a life of enslavement after being sold from the Gambia. Her literary contributions in the 18th century challenged prevailing notions of race and slavery, establishing her as a key figure in American literature.
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Recent news mentions
Phillis Wheatley is recognized as one of the first published African American female poets in the exhibition.
Expositie ‘Road to Liberty’ brengt gedeelde geschiedenis VS en Suriname tot leven – de Ware Tijd
Suriname· 2026-07-08
Phillis Wheatley published a poem that compared her enslavement to tyranny.
Jonathan Este | America at 250: still a ‘democratic experiment’ | News
Jamaica· 2026-07-06
The only figure, man or woman, not shown wearing identical American-flag blue is the poet Phillis Wheatley.
Trump’s Freedom 250 gives the founders an AI glow-up
United States· 2026-07-03
Phillis Wheatley was the first work of an African American female writer published in English.
Historical signs and markers in cities offer a treasure trove for travellers
Australia· 2025-02-25
Phillis Wheatley was sold into slavery from the Gambia and became the first Black American woman and only the third American woman to publish a book of poetry.
Cambridge exhibit explores forgotten Black abolitionists' roles
United Kingdom· 2025-02-13
