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Foreign. This is Angela Odell, and you are listening to Real Cool History for Kids, a podcast show featuring history told from a distinctly biblical worldview perspective. Welcome to an adventure. Welcome to episode 154 of Real Cool History for Kids. This episode is for Adele Beeshold, who wanted to hear the story of Phillis Wheatley. Hey, Adele, this one's for you. Phyllis Wheatley was a remarkable young woman with an absolutely extraordinary story. She was born 1753 in West Africa. I say around 1753 because no one knows for sure exactly when she was born. So as a little girl, Phyllis was taken from her home and she was placed on a ship and then sold into slavery in America. She arrived in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1761, a frail, sickly child who spoke no English. The Wheatley family purchased her and gave her their last name, which was common at that time. The Wheatleys realized very soon that Phyllis was absolutely brilliant. Though she was enslaved, the Wheatleys treated her differently than most enslaved people at that time. They saw her intelligence and allowed her to learn. In a time when enslaved people were forbidden to learn to read and write, Phyllis was taught to read English, Greek, and Latin. She quickly developed a deep love for books and poetry and learning. Phyllis was so gifted with words that by the age of 12, she was writing her own poetry. The Wheatleys encouraged Phyllis's talents, and by the time she was in her teens, she was writing. Po amazed everyone. She wrote about history, the beauty of nature, and her deep faith in God. At a time when people doubted that an African girl could be intelligent and creative, Phyllis proved them wrong. Her writing was so impressive that she became really well known, and not only in the American colonies, but also in England. Her poems were filled with deep thoughts and beautiful language and powerful mess. And she often wrote about her faith and her yearning for freedom and the struggles of life. Many of her poems praised God, and she even wrote about how her trials had helped her trust in his divine plan. One of her most famous poems is called On Being Brought from Africa to America, and it expresses her gratitude for learning about Christianity, even though she had been taken from her homeland. And this is what she wrote. Twas mercy brought me from my pagan land Taught my benighted soul to understand that there's a God, that there's a savior too Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. Phyllis used her poetry to challenge people's thinking. She pointed out that all people, regardless of skin color, were created by God and had the ability to love and serve. Her words encouraged many to consider the contradictions of a country that fought for freedom from Britain while still enslaving human beings. Phyllis traveled to England, where she met influential leaders, including the Countess of Huntingdon, who helped get her first book, her only book, poems on various subjects, religious and moral. She helped her get her book published. Phillis Wheatley stood on the edge of a new life. Although she was only about 20 years old, she had already done what few thought possible. She had published a book of poetry. Its cover had her name on it. It was not just a book of verse. It was evidence. Evidence that an enslaved African girl had become a respected poet in England. Phyllis had the opportunity to meet many prominent figures who admired her talents, and her visit to London was a time of honor and recognition. She had hoped to continue her work there, but upon hearing that Mrs. Wheatley, the woman who had raised her, was very ill, Phyllis returned to Boston. When she returned to Boston that autumn, things had changed. The Wheatley family, who had purchased her as a child and given her the education unlike any other enslaved person, began treating her differently. John Wheatley, who was aging and frail by this time, recognized that Phyllis no longer belonged in bondage. Not that she ever had. She had become a public figure. She had been received by nobility in England, and she was praised by American patriots. Keeping her enslaved would draw criticism and contradict the very ideals many colonists claim to believe in. Phyllis needed to be free. Hi guys, I'm going to take a quick break right here in the middle of our story about Phyllis Wheatley to give a shout out to a recent podcast reviewer, Elijah, who says this about real cool history for kids. Hi Mrs. O', Dell. My name is Elijah Beckner and I'm going to be 10 on May 23rd. My family loves your show. We listen to quite a few podcasts, but you are one of our favorites. Can you please do a story on Pearl harbor in World War II? Well, thank you, Elijah, so much for this wonderful feedback. I'm so happy that you are enjoying the podcast show. And just to let you know, I did an episode about Pearl harbor back in episode 40. It's called a Day that Will Live in Infamy. So you can go and listen to that. Everyone, I am inviting you to join our Patreon platform for just $8 a month. You get all kinds of great resources added throughout the month. By joining our platform, you are helping to keep real cool history for kids on the air. And don't forget, everyone, stick around to hear this episode's birthday shout outs. This episode is made possible in part by the America Story series, written by me, Angela o' Dell and published through Master Books, creators of homeschool curriculum written from a distinctly biblical worldview perspective for everyday life. Now let's get back to our story about Phillis Wheatley. The same year that she came back from England, John Wheatley signed the documents that gave Phillis her freedom. Officially, freedom meant dignity. It also meant struggle. She was no longer a servant in the Wheatley's household. She was now a free black woman in a society where freedom still did not equal opportunity. But for Phyllis, it was a start, a hard won beginning. Not long after she had been freed from slavery, something wonderful happened. She gained the attention of some of the most important people of her time, including George Washington. In 1775, during the American Revolution, she wrote a poem praising General Washington and he was so impressed that he invited her to visit him. Despite her fame, Phyllis Wheatley's life was not easy. After the Wheatley family passed away, she struggled financially. She married a free black man named John Peters, but they faced hardship and poverty. Phyllis continued to write, but without the financial support or patrons to sponsor her work, she was unable to publish another book. Her letters from this time reveal a woman who remained steadfast in her faith despite her difficulties. And even with all of her struggles, she continued to write poetry about freedom and faith and hope. Some of her unpublished works were lost over time, but those that remain show how Phyllis was a woman of d deep intellect and unwavering belief in God's sovereignty. Phyllis used her poetry to inspire and encourage. And even though her words did not bring her wealth or earthly comfort, they left a lasting impact on the world. Sadly, Phillis Wheatley died very young. She was only around age 31. Phyllis left behind a legacy of faith and perseverance and incredible talent. Despite her short life, she opened doors for other African American writers and intellectuals, showing that the power of words can transcend race and status. Phyllis Wheatley's story reminds me that no matter our circumstances, God has given all of us gifts and talents and that can be used for his glory. Even when others doubted her, Phyllis continued to write and share the truth. She also showed great faith in God, trusting that he was in control of her life. Even through difficulty and great suffering, her poetry reminds me of the truth found in Proverbs 3, 5 and 6. I've read this to you guys before, but listen to this verse. Trust, trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to him and he will make your paths straight. Isn't that wonderful? Phyllis did not know what her future held, but she trusted in God's plan. And because of her faithfulness, her words continue to inspire people. Today, Phyllis's life is an example. We can learn about perseverance and faith and the power of education. Just like Phyllis, each of us have been given unique gifts. Including you. Yes, you. We can use these gifts to honor God. We can use them to encourage others. And through our gifts, we can make a difference in the world. We can bring glory to God and make a difference in the world. Isn't that an amazing gift from God? I think that is just the coolest thing. And even when life is challenging you guys, we can hold on to the truth that God has a purpose for our lives. And you know what? That purpose a lot of times goes way beyond our own lives, way past and into the future. God uses our lives. And now it's time for this episode's birthday shout outs. Are you ready? Here we go. Happy birthday to Anna Welsh, who turned 9 on May 18. Happy birthday to Elena Deal, who turns 7 today on May 19. Happy birthday to Hosanna Wilson, who turns 45 today on May 19. Happy birthday To Theodore Long, who is turning 10 on May 20. Happy birthday to Briggs Barber, who is turning 4 on May 21. Happy birthday to Davey Oliveira, who is turning 11 on May 21. Happy birthday to Emily Bauer, who is turning 5 on May 25. Happy birthday to Ocean Levy, who is turning 3 on May 26. Happy birthday to Mela Gilbert, who is turning 3 on May 27. Happy birthday to Ellie Farrell, who is turning 8 on May 29. And happy birthday to Walker Moorhead, who is turning 9 on May 30. Happy birthday to all of you from the Real Cool History for Kids family. I hope you all have enjoyed our grand adventure in history today. I'll meet you here soon for our next episode of Rail Cool History for kids. Until then, through the grace and the mercy of Jesus our savior, be the best you ever.