In Search of Phillis Wheatley Peters: Film Screening and Q&A

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UCHI at 25: In search of Phillis Wheatley Peters, film screening and Q&A, with filmmakers Leslie Askew and Turlough White and Professors Manisha Sinha and Anna Mae Duane. September 23, 12:15pm, Konover.

In Search of Phillis Wheatley Peters: Film Screening and Q&A

a UCHI at 25 event

with filmmakers Leslie Askew and Turlough White and Professors Manisha Sinha (History) and Anna Mae Duane (English)

Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 12:15pm, Konover Auditorium

In Search of Phillis Wheatley Peters (dir. Leslie Askew) is a documentary that uncovers the little-known love story of Phillis Wheatley—America’s first Black published poet—and John Peters, a free Black man she married in 1778.

Drawing on the groundbreaking research of historian Dr. Cornelia Dayton, the film brings newly unearthed archival discoveries to life, revealing the couple’s pursuit of autonomy, dignity, and survival in Revolutionary-era Boston. Featuring insights from leading scholars and poets—including Dr. Vincent Carretta, Dr. Cornelia Dayton, Dr. Nicole Aljoe, Dr. Manisha Sinha, Dr. Kabria Baumgartner, and Dr. Joanne Gabbin—the film reimagines Phillis not only as a literary icon but as a woman who chose love, partnership, and resistance against extraordinary odds.

The short film (35 min) will be followed by a Q&A with director Leslie Askew and producer Turlough White and Professors Manisha Sinha (History) and Anna Mae Duane (English).

Access note

If you require accommodation to attend this event, please contact us at uchi@uconn.edu or by phone (860) 486-9057. We can request ASL interpretation, computer-assisted real time transcription, and other accommodations offered by the Center for Students with Disabilities. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance whenever possible.

Photography disclaimer

Photographs may be taken at this event and posted on social media or otherwise used for communication purposes.

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