Presented in collaboration with AFROPUNK

Widely recognized as the first African-American to publish a book of poetry, Phillis Wheatley Peters was a West African child captured and sold into the transatlantic slave trade who was found to be a prodigy and became a significant voice in the movement to end slavery in America. Known internationally for her eloquent elegies and ecclesiastical statements of human dignity throughout the late 1700s, Wheatley Peters' work is a unique entry into the lyric sheets of the American Songbook. In honor of Women's History Month, AFROPUNK and Lincoln Center—in collaboration with the Smithsonian—present a two-part event celebrating the contributions of this pioneering poet and author. The evening begins with songs performed by multi-instrumental composer aden, accompanied by collaborative recitations of Wheatley Peters' work with Lincoln Center's poet-in-residence Mahogany L. Browne. The tribute continues with an artist talkback between Browne and aden, and concludes with a concert by Afrofuturist artist and GRAMMY-nominated jazz trumpeter and composer, Theo Croker.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Guest Experience at 212-875-5456 or [email protected].