The historian David Waldstriker has published The Odyssey of Phyllis Wheatley,

a poet's journey through American slavery and independence.

It's a superb new biography, offering the fullest account to date of Phyllis Wheatley's life and works.

Seized in West Africa and forced into slavery as a child, Wheatley became a noted poet

at a young age. She's considered the first African American author to publish a book of poetry and had a lasting influence on the founding generation and generations to come. Hello, I'm Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, and welcome

to We The People, the weekly show of constitutional debate.

The National Constitution Center is a nonpartisan nonprofit chartered by Congress

to increase awareness and understanding of the Constitution among the American people.

In this episode, I'm joined by David Waldstr striker and the historian Nancy Eisenberg will discuss

Wheatley's life the development of her poetry her influence on the Constitution and

much more. David Wald striker is a distinguished professor of history, American studies and Africana studies

at the Cuny Graduate Center.

In addition to his recent book, The Odyssey of Phyllis Wheatley, he's the author of many other books and articles on slavery, the founders, and more. of And Nancy Eisenberg is Isenberg is T Harry Williams professor of American history at Louisiana State University.

She's the author of several wonderful books including the New York Times

bestseller, White Trash, the 400-year untold history of class in America as well as wonderful biographies of the

founders including Aaron Burr, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and John Quincy

Adams.

Her first book, Sex and Citizenship in Antibellum America,

focused on the early women's rights movements.

Nancy, it's wonderful to welcome you back to

we the people.

Well, thanks for inviting me.

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