Patriot Poet Phillis Wheatley: From Slave to Revolutionary Voice for Liberty

In this episode of The P.A.S. Report’s America’s Founding Series, Professor Giordano spotlights Phillis Wheatley, the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry and one of the most overlooked voices of the American Revolution. Enslaved and educated in Boston, Wheatley used her pen to champion the spirit of liberty and call out the contradictions with slavery. Her powerful poem to General George Washington not only earned his respect but may have helped shift his views on Black participation in the war. Learn how Wheatley’s words influenced the founding fathers, inspired Thomas Paine to publish her work, and became a rallying cry for freedom during America’s fight for independence.

Episode Highlights:

• How Phillis Wheatley’s poetry reached and influenced George Washington during the height of the Revolutionary War
• The remarkable meeting between Wheatley and Benjamin Franklin in London
• Why Wheatley’s legacy challenges current narratives about race, liberty, and the American founding

📲 Subscribe to The P.A.S. Report’s America's Founding Series to learn about forgotten patriots and the untold stories that shaped the fabric of America.

 

Timestamps

• 02:24 Phyllis Wheatley from Slave to Poet
• 06:32 Wheatley Publishes Her Book and Sits Down with Benjamin Franklin
• 12:28 Wheatley's Impact on George Washington and the Revolution
• 17:24 Legacy of Phyllis Wheatley

 

🔔 Subscribe for More:
📖 Sign up for The P.A.S. Report newsletter at https://pasreport.com

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform!

Follow The P.A.S. Report:
📱 X, YouTube, Instagram: @PasReport

Share this episode and join the conversation!