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Phyllis Wheatley was an African slave and one of the best-known poets of 19th century America. Through the messages and simply the publication of her works, Wheatley provided inspiration to future generations of African Americans who fought for the abolition of slavery and to establish civil rights.

In 1934, Judge Lillian Walker-Burke and six other women organized the Phyllis Wheatley Literary Society in her name. The organization was originally created to promote better reading habits and skills among young women, but has expanded its mission since then.

The organization established The Phyllis Wheatley Literary Society Scholarship Fund in 1992 to assist the city of Duquesne.

The fund provides scholarships for graduating students, specifically African American students, from the Duquesne area who plan to further their education but have received minimal scholarship and/or financial support.