Phillis Wheatley, born in 1753 in West Africa, is recognized as the first published African American poet and a significant figure in American literature. Her full name is Phillis Wheatley Peters. She was kidnapped from her home and sold into slavery at the age of seven, arriving in Boston, Massachusetts, where she was purchased by John Wheatley, a prominent merchant. Despite the harsh conditions of slavery, her captors recognized her extraordinary intellect and provided her with an education, teaching her to read and write.

Wheatley's literary career began in her teenage years, and she quickly gained attention for her poetry, which often focused on themes of religion, freedom, and the human condition. Her first and most notable collection, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," was published in 1773, making her the first African American to publish a book. The work received acclaim and was endorsed by notable figures of the time, including George Washington. Her poetry reflected both her deep faith and her unique perspective as an enslaved woman, navigating the complexities of her identity in a racially divided society.

Wheatley's personal life was marked by both triumphs and tragedies. After gaining her freedom in 1773, she married John Peters, a free Black man, but faced financial hardships throughout her life. Despite her literary success, she struggled to find a stable source of income, and her later years were fraught with difficulties. Phillis Wheatley died on December 5, 1784, in Boston, leaving behind a legacy as an early pioneer of African American literature and a voice for the rights and dignity of enslaved individuals. Her work continues to inspire and resonate with readers today, underscoring the importance of her contributions to American culture and history.