Phyllis Wheatley - Poet

BIRTH DATE
1753
BIRTH PLACE
Kingston, Jamaica
OCCUPATION
Nurse
KNOWN FOR
Writing poetry and verses

Phyllis was kidnapped at the age of 8, in 1761 and taken to Boston in America. She was taught to read and write by her owner and soon became a child prodigy. By 1773 she published a book of verses and poems which drew on various life accounts. It also drew in mixed emotions from the general public. The London Magazine wrote an article which questioned it's popularity by suggesting that the book had little to offer and that it's fame was spurned by the fact that Phyllis was a black writer . Others saw her work as a mark of expression, detailing life experiences. One of her poems described the feelings of the parents of young Africans who had been snatched away from them. This book was published in London and had many reprints. It was also used in conjunction with Ignatious Sancho's letters by abolitionists keen to show the capabilities of black people.

 

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