Phillis Wheatley: 25 fascinating facts

Phillis Wheatley, a name that should be etched in the annals of American history, remains largely unknown to many. Yet, her story is one of remarkable resilience, intellectual prowess, and groundbreaking achievement. Here are 25 fascinating facts about Phillis Wheatley that highlight her significance and why we should celebrate her legacy:

1. Born in West Africa around 1753, Wheatley was kidnapped and sold into slavery at the age of seven or eight7.
2. She arrived in Boston in 1761 on a slave ship named “The Phillis,” from which she derived her first name6.
3. Purchased by John and Susanna Wheatley, she was named after the ship that brought her to America8.
4. Wheatley learned to read and write English within 16 months of her arrival in America, displaying extraordinary intellectual capacity1.
5. She became fluent in Greek and Latin, studying classical literature, geography, history, and the Bible6.
6. At just 14 years old, Wheatley published her first poem, “On Messrs Hussey and Coffin,” in the Newport Mercury1.
7. Wheatley’s poetry often addressed themes of religion, morality, and freedom, subtly critiquing slavery through her work9.
8. Her book, “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral,” published in 1773, made her the first African American and third woman in America to publish a book of poetry17.
9. Wheatley’s authenticity was challenged, leading to her defense of her work before a panel of 18 prominent Bostonians in 17722.
10. She was the first African American woman to make a living from her writing1.
11. Wheatley’s work was praised by prominent figures like Voltaire and George Washington7.
12. She wrote a poem in honor of George Washington, which led to an invitation to his house for a private reading1.
13. Wheatley was emancipated shortly after the publication of her book in 17737.
14. She married John Peters in 1778, with whom she had three children, all of whom died in infancy17.
15. Despite her fame, Wheatley died in poverty at the young age of 311.
16. Her work inspired other enslaved individuals, such as Jupiter Hammon, who wrote “An Address to Miss Phillis Wheatley” in 17783.
17. Wheatley’s poetry played a crucial role in challenging prevailing notions about the intellectual capabilities of enslaved people3.
18. She is credited with helping to create the foundation of African American literature3.
19. Wheatley’s work forced American society to reckon with the hypocrisy of slavery in the context of the ideals of the American Revolution9.
20. Her elegy for George Whitefield in 1770 expanded her renown due to its widespread publication and impressive language2.
21. Wheatley was the first globally recognized African American female poet, coming to prominence during the American Revolutionary period5.
22. She maintained a long-distance friendship and correspondence with Obour Tanner, another enslaved woman from Rhode Island6.
23. Wheatley’s book arrived in Boston on the same ship that carried tea later used in the Boston Tea Party, symbolically linking her work to the American Revolution9.
24. In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante listed Phillis Wheatley as one of his “100 Greatest African Americans”7.
25. Wheatley is honored with a statue in the Boston Women’s Memorial, alongside Abigail Adams and Lucy Stone7.

Phillis Wheatley’s importance lies not only in her literary achievements but also in her role as a pioneer who challenged the racial and gender prejudices of her time. Her work served as a powerful testament to the intellectual capabilities of African Americans, contradicting the racist ideologies used to justify slavery. By mastering classical languages and producing sophisticated poetry, Wheatley forced her contemporaries to confront their biases and reconsider their assumptions about race and intelligence.

Moreover, Wheatley’s poetry subtly critiqued the institution of slavery, using her platform to advocate for freedom and equality. Her success as a published author opened doors for future generations of African American writers and intellectuals, paving the way for the rich tradition of African American literature that followed.

Conclusion

Wheatley’s life and work also highlight the complex intersections of race, gender, and class in colonial America. Despite her literary acclaim, she was not immune to the harsh realities of being a Black woman in a society built on slavery. Her struggles after emancipation, including poverty and the loss of her children, underscore the enduring challenges faced by African Americans even after gaining freedom.

In recognizing Phillis Wheatley, we acknowledge not just her individual accomplishments but also the broader struggle for equality and recognition that she represents. Her legacy reminds us of the power of education, the importance of diverse voices in literature, and the ongoing fight against racial and gender discrimination. By studying and celebrating Wheatley’s life and work, we gain a deeper understanding of American history and the foundational role that African Americans played in shaping the nation’s cultural and intellectual landscape.

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