This week, Stauney and Sadie discuss the complicated story of Phillis Wheatley Peters, the first African-American to publish poetry. After a complicated history of being sold into slavery and purchased by a family who separated her from the other slaves and gave her an elaborate education including Latin, Peters would go on to write beautiful poetry. She was put on trial to prove herself as the author, used as a parlor trick, and eventually was able to publish her poetry in London before being granted freedom. Her story is as horrific as her words are beautiful, but her art paved the way for further generations to understand the capabilities of a race of people who would be fundamental in the foundation of the new world.

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