Phillis Wheatley Peters

About the Author

Phillis Wheatley Peters, born around 1753 in West Africa and enslaved at a young age before being brought to Boston, emerged as one of the most remarkable literary figures of the 18th century. Purchased by the Wheatley family, she displayed prodigious talent, learning English, Latin, and Greek, and composing poetry that captivated intellectuals on both sides of the Atlantic. Her work, often infused with neoclassical elegance and Christian piety, challenged prevailing notions of African intellectual capacity and advocated for abolition. Despite facing skepticism and prejudice, Wheatley Peters published her seminal collection in 1773, becoming the first African American to achieve such a milestone. Her enduring legacy as a poet of resilience and eloquence continues to inspire readers worldwide, highlighting the power of the written word against oppression.