Never Caught: The Story of Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar
(Format used for this read: Audiobook)
I am continually reminded that our nations history is very rarely—if ever—-taught in its entirety.
In fact most of the time it is completely revised and rewritten to make certain people groups (HELLO WHITE MEN) look heroic, noble and faultless.
So many horrific situations and events glossed over or “forgotten”.
What I learned in all levels of my education and even as an adult has been completely white washed…a false narrative that I need to completely deconstruct and reconstruct with true facts.
This book is just one of many that has educated me in that process.
Here is a summary:
“A startling and eye-opening look into America’s First Family, Never Caught is the powerful story about a daring woman of “extraordinary grit” ( The Philadelphia Inquirer).
When George Washington was elected president, he reluctantly left behind his beloved Mount Vernon to serve in Philadelphia, the temporary seat of the nation’s capital. In setting up his household he brought along nine slaves, including Ona Judge. As the President grew accustomed to Northern ways, there was one change he couldn’t abide: Pennsylvania law required enslaved people be set free after six months of residency in the state. Rather than comply, Washington decided to circumvent the law. Every six months he sent the slaves back down south just as the clock was about to expire.
Though Ona Judge lived a life of relative comfort, she was denied freedom. So, when the opportunity presented itself one clear and pleasant spring day in Philadelphia, Judge left everything she knew to escape to New England. Yet freedom would not come without its costs. At just twenty-two-years-old, Ona became the subject of an intense manhunt led by George Washington, who used his political and personal contacts to recapture his property.”
The idea that our founding fathers were these saint like perfect people has long been part of our national fairy tale.
George Washington—among many others—-fought for liberty for themselves…and yet kept human beings in bondage, viewing them as property.
This book exposes hard truths about the first family and also tells the story of the extremely brave and determined woman—Ona Judge—who would risk everything to have her life belong to her alone.
The author did her research and it SHOWS. No details are left out.
She gives so many facts but yet also writes with emotion as she describes Onas life and challenges. I can not even imagine the immense strength and bravery this woman possessed. And I know her story is just one of so so many.
You will not view the Washington’s the same after reading this…and you shouldn’t.
Stories like this that elevate the voices of the oppressed is who I want to hear from as I re-educate myself on the past.
They have been silenced and ignored for too long.
It’s time to honor them…and I’m listening