As one of the first African-American writers, Phillis Wheatley was also the first African-American women poet to have her work published. Wheatley was originally from Senegal and was sold into slavery at only seven years old. The Wheatley family purchased her in Boston, MA where they taught her how to read and write.

The family encouraged her to write her poetry. As an adult she began to publish her poetry and some say, due to her popularity as a writer, was emancipated in 1773. During the course of her life she published many poems including Poems on Various Subjects in 1774.

Phillis Wheatley is considered one of the founders of the African-American literature genre.