DID YOU KNOW? for March 29 - April 11, 2022:  

Did You Know…Phillis Wheatley Peters (also spelled Phyllis and Wheatly) was the first African-American author of a published book of poetry.

At the age of 7 or 8 (in approx.1760) she was sold into slavery to the Wheatley family of Boston.  Young Phillis learned to read and write and began penning poetry. Seeing her talent, the Wheatley’s encouraged her work and in 1773 sent her to London where she connected with supportive patrons and publishers.

The London publication of her “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral” on September 1,1773 brought Phillis recognition in England and the American colonies. Phillis was freed by the Wheatley family shortly after her book’s publication.

Learn more…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllis_Wheatley