This artist book was made in response to poem, ‘Whisper to Me’ by 2022 - 2023 Philadelphia teen poet laureate, Telicia Darius.

The Delaware Valley Chapter Guild of Book workers, commissioned Darius to write a poem in response to Phillis Wheatley’s poetry. In 1773 Phillis Wheatley became the first African American to publish a book of poetry with the release of Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral. 2023 marked the 250th year of that groundbreaking publication.

These works and Darius’ poem, ‘Whisper to Me’ was exhibited alongside historical documents related to Wheatley at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania November 8 2023 - January 12, 2024.