The Trials of Phillis Wheatley: America's First Black Poet and Her Encounters with the Founding Fathers
Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Gates (African-American studies, humanities, Harvard U.) discusses the achievements of Wheatley (1753-84), America's first black poet; Jefferson's harsh critique of her ability in the context of slavery; and her less than stellar reputation among African- Americans. Based on a 2002 Library of Congress lecture.