<P> Phillis Wheatley , also spelled Phyllis and Wheatly ( c. 1753 -- December 5 , 1784 ) was the first published African - American female poet . Born in West Africa , she was sold into slavery at the age of seven or eight and transported to North America . She was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston , who taught her to read and write and encouraged her poetry when they saw her talent . </P>
<P> Phillis Wheatley , also spelled Phyllis and Wheatly ( c. 1753 -- December 5 , 1784 ) was the first published African - American female poet . Born in West Africa , she was sold into slavery at the age of seven or eight and transported to North America . She was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston , who taught her to read and write and encouraged her poetry when they saw her talent . </P>
who was the first african american female writer
who was the first african american female writer
Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley