In 1773, Phillis Wheatley was freed from slavery and became the first African American to publish a book of poetry. She was bought by John and Susanna Wheatley in 1761. Recognizing her intellectual abilities, they encouraged Phillis to study classical literature and the Bible. | Museum of the Bible

Get to know the story of Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved woman who became one of colonial America’s most famous writers: | TED-Ed