The Life of Phillis Wheatley

  • Phillis was born in West Africa.

    There are no details on her birth parents, but she was taken in by John Wheatley as a slave for his wife Susanna.
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    The Life of Phillis Wheatley

  • Phillis arrived in America after being captured in Africa.

    She rode the slave ship named, "Phillis."
  • Phillis began to write poems.

  • Phillis's first poem was publised.

    Her poem was called, "Elegaic Poem, on the Death of That Celebrated Divine, and Eminent Servant of Jesus Christ, the Reverend and learned George Whitefeild." She was the first African American female poet.
  • George Washington invited her to his home to thank her for her poem, "To HIs Excellency, George Washington."

  • Phillis married John Peters.

  • Phillis died at the age of 31.

  • She was listed as one of the '100 Greatest African Americans', by scholar Molefi Kete Asante.