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Next month, across the country, we recognize the contributions of black Americans during Black History Month which is followed by the recognition of women’s contributions to American life during Women’s History Month, taking place in March.  Therefore, we felt that a program for our staff where we stepped back from our usual routines to come together for a conversation honoring both would be valuable.

Ona Judge was the personal and most favorite slave of George Washington’s wife Martha.  On Saturday May 21, 1796 at great personal risk, Ona ran away from the Washingtons and was never caught despite ongoing efforts by the president and those who assisted his cause.  This brave woman’s story has remained a secret for most people for many years and now thanks to the book Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of their Runaway Slave Ona Judge by Rutgers University Professor Erica Armstrong Dunbar, we can learn more about this amazing untold part of American history.

About the book the Washington Book Review said---

“A gripping story of courage…Never Caught shows freedom is more important than anything else.  What makes Never Caught uniquely interesting and important is that this is one of the rare narratives from (the perspective of) a black woman slave.  It also shines light on the dark corners of American history and the First Family, the Washingtons.”

If you so choose to read the book and be part of our conversation, JCC MetroWest will provide you with a copy of the book (if we can purchase sufficient copies, if not we will arrange to share) and welcome you to a conversation over Zoom, most likely, where we can discuss Ona’s story, the legacy of America’s first president and first, first lady and how we might look back and to the future differently, after reading this important work.

For now, all you need to do is let us know if you wish to be part of the conversation by responding to us on this email that you wish to participate and we will do our best to order enough books for all who reply.  This is a voluntary opportunity and not a part of your work assignment. We will set the date and time, most likely 7:00PM, in the future.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sojournal  Walker                                            Stuart Raynor

Early Childhood Center                                   Administration

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