In a world that constantly tells young Black girls what they can’t do, it’s crucial to celebrate those who shattered expectations—especially when they did so against all odds. Phillis Wheatley Peters, the first Black woman to publish a book in America, was just 20 years old when she made literary history. And she did it while enslaved.
Phillis’s story is one of talent, resilience, and an undeniable legacy that continues to inspire young Black poets and authors today. Born around 1753 in West Africa, she was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery in Boston. Purchased by the Wheatley family, she was named after the ship that brought her to America, the Phillis. Unlike most enslaved people, Phillis was taught to read and write, and she quickly demonstrated an extraordinary gift for poetry. Her owners, recognizing her intelligence, encouraged her education—a rare opportunity at the time. But make no mistake: Phillis’s success was her own doing, not a privilege of her enslavement.
By the age of 13, she was already writing poetry that reflected her deep understanding of religion, politics, and identity. Her works challenged the very foundations of a society that sought to silence Black voices. Despite her brilliance, publishing a book as a young Black woman—let alone an enslaved one—was nearly impossible. Many white people doubted that a Black girl could possess such intellectual ability. To prove her authorship, Phillis had to defend her work in court before a panel of prominent white men. Imagine being 20 years old and having to prove your talent to people who believed you weren’t even fully human.
Yet, she prevailed. In 1773, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral was published in London, making her the first Black woman in America to do so. Her collection of poetry wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a powerful statement. Phillis’s success shattered racial and gender barriers, showing the world that Black women’s voices mattered—and they still do.
Her poetry spoke of faith, freedom, and identity. She wrote about the struggles of Black people and even subtly criticized slavery. Her poem “On Being Brought from Africa to America” remains one of her most famous works, with lines that both acknowledge her forced displacement and challenge the racist perceptions of her time. She dared to take up space in a world that wanted to erase her.
Though she was eventually freed from slavery, Phillis’s life remained difficult. After marrying John Peters, a free Black man, she faced financial struggles, the loss of her children, and the challenges of being a Black woman in a society that still denied her full humanity. She died in 1784 at just 31 years old, but her legacy lives on.
Phillis Wheatley Peters opened the door for countless Black poets and writers, proving that young Black girls’ voices are powerful and worthy of recognition. From Maya Angelou to Amanda Gorman, her influence echoes through time, reminding us that storytelling is a form of resistance. Today, young Black writers continue to shape the world with their words, reclaiming their narratives and inspiring future generations.