How Phillis Wheatley captured the attention of the world - Charita Gainey
189,947 Views
2,661 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
In 1775, General George Washington received a poem from one of colonial America’s most famous writers. Its verses praised the burgeoning revolution, invoking the goddess of their new nation to aid the general’s cause. But this ode to liberty wasn’t written by some aloof aristocratic admirer. Its author was a young enslaved Black woman. Charita Gainey details the works of poet Phillis Wheatley.
Although Phillis Wheatley is essentially the mother of African American literature, her poetry has fallen in and out of favor among African American writers and critics over time. Why do you think some African American writers and critics have appreciated Wheatley’s writing and contributions to African American literature, while other African American writers and critics have been very critical of Wheatley and her poetry?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Charita Gainey
- Director Gavin Edwards, Movult
- Narrator Christina Greer
- Music Stephen LaRosa
- Sound Designer Stephen LaRosa
- Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
- Producer Anna Bechtol
- Associate Producer Sazia Afrin
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
- Script Editor Iseult Gillespie
- Fact-Checker Charles Wallace
