Phillis Wheatley, born in 1753 in West Africa, was the first African American poet to have her work published. However, her impact extended beyond her poetry. In addition to her literary achievements, Wheatley holds the distinction of being the first African American to publish a book. In 1773, at the age of 20, her collection of poems titled “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral” was published. This significant milestone challenged the prevailing notion that African Americans were intellectually inferior and incapable of artistic expression. Wheatley’s book paved the way for future generations of African American writers and artists, breaking barriers and demonstrating the power of literature to defy prejudice and advocate for social change.
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