No. 61: Phillis Wheatley

Episode Transcript

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Did you know that one of America's most famous poets was an enslaved Black woman who stunned the world with her brilliance before she even turned 20? Phillis Wheatley’s words traveled oceans, and her poems were read by kings and presidents—proving that genius knows no bounds, even when society tries to shackle it.

Hi, I’m Shae, a PhD Candidate at Harvard, and today on "100 Historic Black Women You Should Know By Election Day," we're diving into the extraordinary life of Phillis Wheatley—the first African American to publish a book of poetry and a woman whose life was a testament to the power of intellect, creativity, and resilience.

Phillis Wheatley was born around 1753 in West Africa, but her life took a sharp and tragic turn when she was kidnapped and sold into slavery as a child. Brought to Boston, she was purchased by the Wheatley family, who quickly noticed her remarkable intelligence. By the age of 12, she was reading Greek and Latin, and by 14, she was writing her own poetry.

Despite her literary brilliance, Phillis Wheatley faced intense skepticism from prominent figures of her time, who could not fathom that an enslaved Black woman could produce such sophisticated poetry. Many in the intellectual elite, including writers and scholars, questioned her abilities. In 1772, Phillis had to stand before a panel of 18 of Boston’s most respected men, including John Hancock, Massachusetts governor Thomas Hutchinson, and Reverend Samuel Mather, to prove that her poems were her own creation. This public interrogation was not only an affront to her intellect but also a reflection of the deeply ingrained racism of the time, where even exceptional talent from an enslaved person was met with disbelief and condescension.

Her 1773 collection, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, made her not only the first Black woman but also one of the first American women to publish a book. Wheatley's poems celebrated everything from religion to political events like the American Revolution, often blending her sharp intellect with subtle critiques of slavery.

But despite her literary fame, Phillis Wheatley’s life was far from easy. After gaining her freedom, she struggled to support herself as a free Black woman in a society still deeply racist. She died in poverty in 1784, at just 31 years old, leaving behind a legacy that reminds us how much brilliance and potential were wasted because of the cruel system of slavery.

Here’s something to keep in mind: Phillis Wheatley’s book was first printed in London because no American publisher would take the risk on her—proving even her genius couldn’t escape the racism of her time.

Thanks for listening to today’s episode about the incredible Phillis Wheatley! If you enjoyed learning about her, make sure to follow the podcast, rate it 5 stars, and share it with a friend. Let’s get these impactful stories to as many people as possible! You can also find me on social media and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more in-depth discussions about the brilliant Black women who shaped history.