Who was the first African American woman to be a poet and publish book?

While it's tricky to definitively say who was the *absolute* first, Phyllis Wheatley is widely considered the first published African American poet and the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry.

She published her first book, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral", in 1773.

It's important to note:

* Limited documentation: Due to historical limitations, records of earlier African American poets may be incomplete or lost.

* Oral tradition: Many African American poets and writers existed before Wheatley, but their works were often passed down through oral traditions, making it challenging to pinpoint exact authorship and dates.

Phyllis Wheatley's achievement is undeniable. She overcame immense challenges as an enslaved woman to gain recognition for her talent, leaving a lasting impact on American literature.