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September 1773

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Achievement · literature
Phillis Wheatley Publishes First Book of Poetry by a Black American

Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved woman in Boston, published Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral in London in 1773, the first book of poetry published by a Black American and only the third book published by an American woman. Her achievement prompted a celebrated examination by Boston's leading men who certified her authorship.

Events

  1. September 1773
    Phillis Wheatley Publishes First Book of Poetry by a Black American

    Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved woman in Boston, published Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral in London in 1773, the first book of poetry published by a Black American and only the third book published by an American woman. Her achievement prompted a celebrated examination by Boston's leading men who certified her authorship.

  2. September 1773
    Phillis Wheatley publishes her Poems

    Phillis Wheatley becomes the first African American to publish a book of poetry, refuting claims about Black intellect.

Resources from this period

Videos·1

Phillis Wheatley — Crash Course Black American History #7
CrashCourse