Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley was an African American poet born in West Africa and brought to America as a slave. She is best known for her groundbreaking collection, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," published in 1773, which made her the first published African American female poet. Wheatley's work often reflects her deep Christian faith and explores themes of freedom, identity, and the human experience. Her poetry garnered attention from prominent figures of her time, including George Washington, and she played a significant role in the literary heritage of the 18th century, challenging the prevailing notions of race and gender in literature.