Who was the first African American poet?

The first African American poet to publish a book was Phillis Wheatley (1753–1784). She was born in Africa, but was enslaved by the Wheatley family of Boston. She demonstrated an early talent for poetry, and her work was praised by leading American writers of the day, including George Washington. In 1773, she published her first book of poems, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral." This was the first book published by an African American woman.