Historical Event
Escape of Oney Judge (1796)
In 1796, Oney Judge, an enslaved woman owned by George Washington, escaped from the President's House in Philadelphia, PA, where Washington lived while serving as the first President of the United States. Her flight to freedom not only exemplified individual resistance against the institution of slavery but also highlighted the complexities of the founding fathers' relationship with slavery in the early republic.
Why This Matters
Oney Judge's escape is significant within the Transatlantic Reconnection narrative as it underscores the shared struggle against oppression faced by Africans and their descendants, fostering a deeper understanding of the historical context of freedom and agency. Her story connects the experiences of continental Africans and African Americans, illustrating the enduring legacy of resistance against colonialism and enslavement across the diaspora.
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