Gone Too Soon–A long time ago

As part of celebrating National Poetry Month, I found the first African-American woman to publish her poetry! Phillis Wheatley, born in West Africa around 1753, was, unfortunately, sold into slavery when she was only around 7 years old. She learned to read and write–even being able to read Greek and Latin by the time she was 12! Her writing got her to London and an audience with future patrons. At just 31, though, she had lost two babies and her husband was imprisoned in a debtor’s prison. She contracted an illness and died.

The portrait, as mentioned in the audio, is quite possibly by the artist of whom she writes: Scipio Moorhead.

Enjoy!