Wheatley, Phillis

1753-1784 · Contribution: 1773

Literature & Writing

First African American to publish a book of poetry

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Literature & Writing

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Quick facts

Born
1753-1784
Category
Literature & Writing

Impact on the world

Wheatley's published poetry refuted, in the most direct terms, the era's denial of Black intellectual capacity, founding the African American literary tradition.

An alternative history

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