A Woman Who EscapedWashington. A Child Who Demanded Freedom.
Poetry & Primary Sources
Two powerful stories. Two remarkable primary sources. One opportunity to experience Black history differently.
Hello, history lovers!
What happens when we examine American history through the words and experiences of those who fought for their freedom?
In Poetry & Primary Sources: Reading Black History Through Original Documents, we're doing more than learning dates and memorizing names. We're examining original documents, asking difficult questions and reclaiming stories too often pushed to the margins.
And there's still time to join us!
A Sneak Peek at Week 2: Ona Judge
Saturday, October 24 | 10:00–11:30 AM ET
In 1796, Ona Judge emancipated herself from George and Martha Washington's household in Philadelphia.
Washington, a man celebrated for his commitment to liberty, spent years attempting to reclaim her.
We'll examine the original advertisement seeking her capture, her later testimony and the ongoing controversy surrounding the historical interpretation of slavery at Philadelphia's President's House.
Our central question: How does Ona Judge's pursuit of freedom challenge the way we remember George Washington?
Coming Up in Week 3: Kale and the Amistad Africans
Saturday, October 31 | 10:00–11:30 AM ET
In January 1841, a young African named Kale wrote a remarkable letter to former President John Quincy Adams.
Kale and other Africans from the Amistad had been imprisoned while fighting for their freedom.
In his letter, Kale challenged the accusations made against his people, questioned the justice of their imprisonment and demanded that their humanity be recognized.
His words remind us that Africans were not passive participants in their own liberation. They were thinkers, organizers and advocates for their freedom.
We'll also explore an important historical question: If slavery was simply a product of its time, why were people actively challenging it during that same period?
Come Sit in My Classroom!
Each live session includes:
Guided examination of original historical documents
Engaging discussion and historical context
Downloadable primary-source materials
Creative opportunities to respond through poetry, writing or storytelling
Whether you're an educator, parent, student or lifelong learner, this experience is for you.
Registration is still open!
Register here: https://bit.ly/PoetryandPrimarySources
History is more than dates. It's our story, our voice and our power.
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