Phillis Wheatley was the first published African American female poet in the United States. Born in West Africa around 1753, she was captured and sold into slavery at a young age. She was brought to Boston, where she was purchased by the Wheatley family, who recognized her intelligence and encouraged her education. Wheatley's poetry often addressed themes of religion, freedom, and the human experience. Her first book, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," was published in 1773, making her a significant figure in American literature. She became a symbol of the intellectual capabilities of enslaved people and contributed to discussions on slavery and freedom.