She was named Phillis, because that was the name of the ship that took her away, and Wheatley, after the merchant who bought her. She was born in Senegal. In Boston, slave traders put her up for sale: "She is seven years old! She will make a good mare!" She was groped, n@ked, by many hands. At thirteen, she was already writing poetry in a language that was not her own. No one believed that she was the author. At twenty, Phillis was questioned by a tribunal of eighteen distinguished gentlemen in

3.8K views · 158 reactions | In 1773, Phillis Wheatley was freed from slavery and became the first African American to publish a book of poetry. She was bought by John and Susanna Wheatley in 1761. Recognizing her intellectual abilities, they encouraged Phillis to study classical literature and the Bible. | Museum of the Bible | Facebook