a) Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley, an African American poet, gained fame for her revolutionary verse in both America and England. Enslaved in Boston, Wheatley’s remarkable literary talent challenged contemporary views on race and education. Her poetry, often focusing on liberty and justice, resonated with the revolutionary ideals of the era. Wheatley’s personal audience with George Washington and her subsequent emancipation highlight the paradox of slavery amidst a struggle for freedom. Her legacy is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the intellectual contributions of African Americans during the founding of the United States.