Phillis Wheatley was a groundbreaking figure as the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry, challenging societal norms that deemed Black individuals incapable of literary achievement. Her 1773 collection, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, garnered significant praise in England and America, with notable recognition from figures like George Washington. Despite facing criticism from individuals such as Thomas Jefferson, who viewed her as a mere mimic, Wheatley's legacy endures, marking her as one of the greatest American poets honored through various memorials and institutions.
Phillis Wheatley, the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry, challenged the notion that Black individuals could write, especially as an enslaved person.
Despite Jefferson dismissing her talent as mere mimicry, Wheatley became celebrated for her contributions and remains one of America's most respected poets.
Her book, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, published in 1773, garnered acclaim in both England and American colonies.
Wheatley received a personal response from George Washington, affirming the impact of her poetry and her place in American literary history.
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