May be refin’d and join th’ angelic train

I wanted to remember my late, beloved friend Phillis Wheatley during Black History Month. 

Phillis Wheatley (~1753-1784) was the first published African-American female poet. Born in West Africa, she was sold into slavery at the age of 7 or 8(!) and transported to North America. She was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston, who taught her to read and write and encouraged her poetry when they saw her talent.

Phillis was an old Addy Momma rewigged to look like an old portrait and dressed in Felicity's clothes and accessories.

Sadly, poor Phillis did not survive the house fire.