Inspired by Phyllis Wheatley

Phyllis Wheatley (May 8, 1753 – December 5, 1784) was both the second published African-American poet and first published African-American woman. She was sold into slavery at the age of 7 and transported to North America. She was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston, who taught her to read and write, and encouraged her poetry when they saw her talent. The publication of her Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral (1773) brought her fame both in England and the American colonies; figures such as George Washington praised her work.