Ann Plato was an African-American educator and writer, known for being one of the first African-American women to publish a book in the United States. She was born in 1820 in Hartford, Connecticut. Plato taught at the Hartford Free African School and later at a school she founded. Her book, 'Essays: Including Biographies and Miscellaneous Pieces, in Prose and Poetry,' was published in 1841. Plato's writings often focused on themes of education, morality, and faith. She is considered a significant figure in early African-American literature.