Phillis Wheatley was the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry. She was born in Senegal around 1753 and was enslaved and brought to Boston, Massachusetts at the age of around 7 or 8. The Wheatley family, who purchased her, educated her and recognized her intelligence and talent for writing poetry.

Phillis Wheatley's poetry focused on themes of religion, morality, and patriotism, and she often used classical forms and allusions in her work. Her first published poem appeared in 1767 when she was around 14 years old, and her book of poetry, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," was published in 1773 when she was 20. This made her the first African American and one of the first women in the American colonies to have a book of poetry published.

Despite her accomplishments, Wheatley faced prejudice and discrimination due to her race and gender, and she struggled financially throughout her life. Nevertheless, she remains an important figure in Black history for breaking barriers and using her talent to advocate for freedom and equality.