Ona Judge: A Woman Who Escaped Slavery & the Washingtons

Ona Judge Staines was enslaved and forced to work as Martha Washington's personal servant until she escaped from the President's Mansion in Philadelphia. Much is known of Judge's life in comparison to other people enslaved by the Washingtons as a result of newspaper interviews she gave in 1845 and 1847, as well as George Washington’s frustrated attempts to recover her after she self-emancipated.
In this video, African American Projects Coordinator Brenda Parker shares the story of Ona Judge, and how she ran away from the Washingtons to attain her freedom.
Learn more about slavery at Mount Vernon: www.mountvernon.org/slavery

Пікірлер: 1 200

  • @cmariah80
    @cmariah804 жыл бұрын

    I love how although she was treated "good", her freedom meant more. This courageous woman never wanted to be a slave.

  • @mountvernon

    @mountvernon

    4 жыл бұрын

    Precisely, as our historian Mary Thompson's writes: "they were all willing to give up the emotional support of family and friends to risk physical punishment and possible demotion if caught, and considerable insecurity if they were successful, in order to have ultimate control over their own lives" (taken from "The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret": George Washington, Slavery, and the Enslaved Community at Mount Vernon).

  • @warrenholly2200

    @warrenholly2200

    4 жыл бұрын

    No human in their right mind would chose to be a slave

  • @goodnightmyprince2716

    @goodnightmyprince2716

    4 жыл бұрын

    If a person is a slave then they ain't been treated "good."

  • @ChiefJayBinns

    @ChiefJayBinns

    4 жыл бұрын

    I guess slavery was a choice *In my Kanye voice

  • @warrenholly2200

    @warrenholly2200

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@ChiefJayBinns you are 100% correct sir

  • @stephanielindo4877
    @stephanielindo48774 жыл бұрын

    So someone who owned slaves could be feature on a dollar bill but someone such as Harriet Tubman who freed slaves can't be feature on a dollar bill?

  • @fittomakeup3991

    @fittomakeup3991

    4 жыл бұрын

    I made this same remark yesterday. Doesnt make sense!!!

  • @marilynjackson5983

    @marilynjackson5983

    4 жыл бұрын

    great question! but we know the answer!!

  • @JamesBond-pb2qy

    @JamesBond-pb2qy

    4 жыл бұрын

    Because he was a President. Only presidents can be .

  • @jacobgonzalez2002

    @jacobgonzalez2002

    4 жыл бұрын

    stephanie lindo Oh I don’t know maybe because he was a president??? Cmon use your common sense!!!!!

  • @pouth111

    @pouth111

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@JamesBond-pb2qy I hope yall know Benjamin Franklin was not and never was president and he on the 100 dollar Bill's so your argument is already invalid and also who says only presidents should be on our Bill's how about great people that have done amazing things for this country.

  • @roderickahairston9935
    @roderickahairston99354 жыл бұрын

    Freedom is priceless and is worth everything 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • @tammi67able

    @tammi67able

    4 жыл бұрын

    Rodericka Hairston indeed!

  • @mattw4496

    @mattw4496

    4 жыл бұрын

    Depends on what kind of freedom.

  • @alorahendershot7264

    @alorahendershot7264

    3 жыл бұрын

    i agree

  • @apollothefirst

    @apollothefirst

    2 жыл бұрын

    Agreed! (Insert non-existent black and white hand clapping emoji)

  • @iamenvymetoo
    @iamenvymetoo4 жыл бұрын

    This must be how it feels like to hear a bedtime story. I could listen to the narrator forever.

  • @mountvernon

    @mountvernon

    4 жыл бұрын

    Brenda brings life to any story. We may not be able to offer her narration forever but here's another 3 minutes and 30 seconds, enjoy: kzread.info/dash/bejne/oouBq9N7nb3ToM4.html

  • @derricknregina

    @derricknregina

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@mountvernon she was excellent.

  • @billinger4644

    @billinger4644

    4 жыл бұрын

    True

  • @tammi67able

    @tammi67able

    4 жыл бұрын

    T. Washington me too, Her voice is so soothing

  • @lazyscholar7932

    @lazyscholar7932

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hardly a bedtime story. Unless you can sleep well after hearing stories of oppression?

  • @dowardwashington9958
    @dowardwashington99584 жыл бұрын

    I really applaud this young womans bravery. I hope someone makes a movie about this some day.

  • @mountvernon

    @mountvernon

    4 жыл бұрын

    We will be the first in line for a ticket if they do!

  • @amberrose1108

    @amberrose1108

    4 жыл бұрын

    You should go watch Harriet Tubman at the movies, it's playing now, in Nov. 2019! An excellent movie!

  • @aniron7664

    @aniron7664

    4 жыл бұрын

    Becca A exactly

  • @becky_1919

    @becky_1919

    4 жыл бұрын

    @Run Gunn Agreed, both parties are responsible...Africans should not have sold their own people and Europeans should not have bought them. It is a reality that in Africa, slavery among conquered tribes was prevelent so African tribes would enslave other tribes. My family was educated in Jamaica and they go into deep detail on the history of Europe which included slavery....

  • @becky_1919

    @becky_1919

    4 жыл бұрын

    @ThiefRikku0306 There were many Europeans who were against slavery and injustice, and fought against it. There were hero's of every nationality... en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_civil_rights_leaders

  • @shanec9840
    @shanec98404 жыл бұрын

    I guess this kills the argument that if slaves were treated "well" they were greatful to be slaves. As a Southerner whose mother was a maid, what people don't get is that no person/boss/owner is nice everyday, and let's say (for arguments sake) that the person over you is "good to you," that doesn't't mean their spouse, children, or grandchildren would be. And this story is a prime example. There's no such thing as good slave owners: that's Southern propaganda. Good slave owners are only "good" because in comparison to sociopathic slave owners who were void of empathy, the "good" ones lived within a certain code of conduct which made it a little more tolerable for the people they owned.

  • @Violetbunnyfish

    @Violetbunnyfish

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yep

  • @chucksucks8640

    @chucksucks8640

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks goodness democrats were defeated in 1864

  • @bruine5253

    @bruine5253

    4 жыл бұрын

    Ona was however willing to return to slavery had Washington promised to free her on his death. Washington tried persuasion; he did not employ force.

  • @j.brown70

    @j.brown70

    4 жыл бұрын

    B Ruine That also could be what she just told that person and not mean it.

  • @steves6407

    @steves6407

    4 жыл бұрын

    No Shane it does not, she said herself that she would have returned had Washington be able to free her upon Martha's death and did not want to be given to someone else! George did not have that legal right at that time and never did! He also knew and so did Martha exactly where she was a let her be! They wanted her back but never forced the issue! Think about that!

  • @q.t.gamingfamily
    @q.t.gamingfamily4 жыл бұрын

    Can you imagine you’re a parent of a fifteen year old girl (or boy) and they just take her away to sell her off where’d you’d never see or hear of her again.

  • @steves6407

    @steves6407

    4 жыл бұрын

    @Emmia B Slaves have been around since the beginning and it's wrong No matter what color your skin is! And BTW it's not a whites only problem! The 1st slave owner in America was a Black man claiming ownership of another Black man!.

  • @steves6407

    @steves6407

    4 жыл бұрын

    @Steevy Horton no he did not her father was a white Tailor and her mother was not Raped!

  • @dapabur1

    @dapabur1

    4 жыл бұрын

    Blacks are still doing something similar to their children now. Most do not see their children for days and days and then cry when they heard they were shot two days ago.

  • @fotisnews

    @fotisnews

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@steves6407 we are only gods slaves ... slavery is unchristian

  • @steves6407

    @steves6407

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@fotisnews +We're not Gods slaves either! I don't know of anyone living who claims that slavery is Christian! It does however still exist but you good folks always just ignore that!

  • @khonsuwerk9757
    @khonsuwerk97575 жыл бұрын

    WOW, I can hear Ona through you Brenda,,. what a Blessing.

  • @vernskid
    @vernskid5 жыл бұрын

    So moving, I applaud her bravery and hope for her story to be told for many years to come.

  • @amandagrayson389
    @amandagrayson3895 жыл бұрын

    I assume this is the last of this series for now. I will certainly miss it. For those of us who go through life unimpeded, these videos are reminders to never take our freedoms or our daily choices for granted.

  • @DandyBeingTandi

    @DandyBeingTandi

    2 жыл бұрын

    Well said! 💗

  • @user-bt6qd8it1d

    @user-bt6qd8it1d

    5 ай бұрын

    Wonder how many other slaves the Freemasons are illegally holding even to this day lol 😂

  • @aliciabrillante
    @aliciabrillante4 жыл бұрын

    How dare he want freedom for himself and deny it to so many. Thank you for sharing this.

  • @cindys9491

    @cindys9491

    4 жыл бұрын

    @MusicMadMaurice three fifths?

  • @UncleZeke

    @UncleZeke

    4 жыл бұрын

    MusicMadMaurice Right on point. It became about freedom but it was really about what many people want now. Less taxes and not allowing the Crown to permeate every aspect of their lives. Washington himself was no deep philosopher but stood to lose his wife’s fortune. I’m a history buff but the more I learned about him the more I see history made him more saintly than he was. Smartest move he made was to surround himself with people who were smarter. If my memory is correct France’s Lafayette implored him to be the first to free his slaves and that might have ended slavery nearly 100 years before Lincoln had the guts to do so.

  • @aliciabrillante

    @aliciabrillante

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@cindys9491 Slaves were not counted as full human beings.

  • @cindys9491

    @cindys9491

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@aliciabrillante exactly, they counted as 3/5 of a person (!) per the Missouri Compromise

  • @steves6407

    @steves6407

    4 жыл бұрын

    @MusicMadMaurice the 3/5's rule was for congressional representation in congress. They had to let that rule in because of the south, but got them to limit the number because though they counted, the slaves could not vote on the members going to congress, and had they counted as full the south would overwhelm the government with slavery wanting members of congress by a population they could control and then never ending slavery!

  • @anthonyw1330
    @anthonyw13305 жыл бұрын

    Gosh this really touched me, I really almost cried of how happy I felt for her that she got to be free and have a family of her own thanks for this video

  • @maderianjohnson7856

    @maderianjohnson7856

    4 жыл бұрын

    @Life Is Beautiful! California I agree! & he should have worn his own damn teeth too, instead of wearing his slaves!!

  • @juliecabler9045
    @juliecabler90454 жыл бұрын

    I cannot tell you how important your work in keeping these stories alive is! How awfully sad it would be if these truths of history were lost to the ages. I am a 67 year old caucaisian, and am blessed by the biographies of so many peiole of every walk of life. I pray these efforts make the human race more humane and empathetic, as they have myself. Bless you.

  • @aaronhoosiershrm-cpphr8362
    @aaronhoosiershrm-cpphr83624 жыл бұрын

    We love to talk about how great our founding fathers were yet, the truth always comes to light.

  • @aaronhoosiershrm-cpphr8362

    @aaronhoosiershrm-cpphr8362

    4 жыл бұрын

    History is interesting. One day none of this will still be in play and we will have evolved enough as a people to do better. I won’t live to see it but it will happen.

  • @aaronhoosiershrm-cpphr8362

    @aaronhoosiershrm-cpphr8362

    4 жыл бұрын

    komiczar I disagree regarding how you down play Tubman’s role is history and the growth of our nation. Her role was significant and not limited to just one movement.

  • @aaronhoosiershrm-cpphr8362

    @aaronhoosiershrm-cpphr8362

    4 жыл бұрын

    komiczar I don’t understand what you mean by that. Help me understand the point you are trying to make. I am confused 🤷‍♂️

  • @aaronhoosiershrm-cpphr8362

    @aaronhoosiershrm-cpphr8362

    4 жыл бұрын

    komiczar I like how you are just talking in circles not really making a clear point or clearly stating you point.

  • @aaronhoosiershrm-cpphr8362

    @aaronhoosiershrm-cpphr8362

    4 жыл бұрын

    komiczar I think you are a troll not really worth it at this point. Say whatever crazy radical thing you want. Hiding behind your screen name. Good luck hope it all works out for you.

  • @droosh
    @droosh4 жыл бұрын

    I like the inclusion of her fear of being sold to the other woman as one of the reasons for her running away. I think we often forget that even if a slave had a comparatively decent life to other slaves or even poor free people, there is always that risk that they could be traded or sold into a terrible quality of life at anytime. Beyond just being dehumanized because they weren't free, I imagine this constant fear for themselves or their family was terrible.

  • @brendaparker3107

    @brendaparker3107

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your comment. I whole heartily agree.

  • @gloriaanderson7424

    @gloriaanderson7424

    2 жыл бұрын

    And what about poor Betty

  • @gloriaanderson7424

    @gloriaanderson7424

    2 жыл бұрын

    And why were white men so hungry for sex with slave women? There was a sexual frenzy when it came to women of color when ever they saw them.

  • @doreekaplan2589

    @doreekaplan2589

    10 ай бұрын

    Yet many freed slaves begged former owners to let them stay rather than live independently. If it was so bad an people today commiserate WHY does NO ONE even mention the 70,000 SLAVES in Africa today much less help free them??

  • @AngelicaAngel888_

    @AngelicaAngel888_

    5 ай бұрын

    They do, maybe you're just not paying attention. ​@@doreekaplan2589

  • @secondthought2320
    @secondthought23204 жыл бұрын

    Amen. For no person should be held in slavery or indentured servitude. The right to be free should be as the air we breathe.

  • @tammi67able

    @tammi67able

    4 жыл бұрын

    Second Thought indeed

  • @person-xd3wb

    @person-xd3wb

    4 жыл бұрын

    Indentured servitude was very different from slavery.

  • @user-hb4zz4gh5e

    @user-hb4zz4gh5e

    3 жыл бұрын

    person 1 Still doesn’t make it right

  • @kevinpcarter
    @kevinpcarter5 жыл бұрын

    Excellent. Thank you, Brenda, for another valuable insight into history and humanity, and for telling Ona's story. I recall something you said to me: "If I don't tell their stories, who will?" I'm thrilled you're finding your voice at MV in this way. Please keep it up. The value of and appreciation for this work will keep increasing as you continue to build this content. You are a special gift to us all. Blessings to you and yours. YMHOS.

  • @kevinpcarter

    @kevinpcarter

    5 жыл бұрын

    And Ethan, I assume your hand is in this. I have thoroughly enjoyed the growth I've seen in your work. Fantastic job! Keep it up, my friend!

  • @p.w.7493
    @p.w.74934 жыл бұрын

    It's better to be hungry and FREE than well-fed and 'CHAINED'!!💯

  • @philineasesmith7586

    @philineasesmith7586

    4 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely 👊🏾👊🏾

  • @tangie7
    @tangie74 жыл бұрын

    That was a very touching story. I'm glad she was able to escape and be free.

  • @celticqaidbear
    @celticqaidbear5 жыл бұрын

    Good for her.

  • @danielcooper5821
    @danielcooper58214 жыл бұрын

    You go, Ona! So inspiring! She was so cool! I'm glad she found the freedom she was looking for!

  • @elizabethlinsay9193
    @elizabethlinsay91934 жыл бұрын

    I'm so sorry she lost her family, but am glad she maintained her freedom!!!

  • @billbandoh5818
    @billbandoh58184 жыл бұрын

    She made it sound nicer than it really was 🤦🏾‍♂️

  • @MSW96

    @MSW96

    4 жыл бұрын

    @Dee Cee You can't be serious...a "good slave owner" is such an oxymoron, I don't care how "good" they were...

  • @MSW96

    @MSW96

    4 жыл бұрын

    @Run Gunn 😔😞

  • @Preservestlandry

    @Preservestlandry

    4 жыл бұрын

    Sounds like she wanted to escape. That doesn't sound good at all.

  • @KeleWele23

    @KeleWele23

    4 жыл бұрын

    @Dee Cee if you doubt every owner of an enslaved person was mean then why don't you allow your young female or male relative to be taken by the current Human Traffickers??? Today's Human Traffickers are kidnapping people and forcing them into prostitution. Maybe the men that are ravaging their bodies are really nice businessmen & presidents who will buy them nice things & allow them to stay in beautiful homes! ENSLAVEMENT itself is "mean". Maybe the women being brutally RAPED on the plantations was just an earlier version of the book 50 "Shades of Grey". Maybe the practice of BUCK BREAKING where demonic white men GANG RAPED kidnapped African men & then enslaved Black men to control & punish them was just "boys being boys!"

  • @KeleWele23

    @KeleWele23

    4 жыл бұрын

    @Dee Cee your opening comment of "allowing me to rage on" further exemplifies your ignorance which was evident in your original comment. I will allow you to wallow in the mire of your thoughts!

  • @margo3367
    @margo33674 жыл бұрын

    But she never really escaped the fear. How brave she was!

  • @tammyellison735
    @tammyellison7355 жыл бұрын

    Such a powerful story and video. Thank you

  • @anthonywest4173
    @anthonywest41734 жыл бұрын

    ONA JUDGE WANTED HER FREEDOM.

  • @livingintongues

    @livingintongues

    4 жыл бұрын

    Anthony West We all do

  • @sofiatheone7
    @sofiatheone74 жыл бұрын

    Wow, such an amazing story of bravery! I would have never returned again, either. How dare they, make bondage of one person over another person just because of our differences in complexion, and language! History will Forever look back at this time in total disgust. Glad we are hopefully moving towards a better world, where we can all live together, with love and respect for each other. God bless to all.🙏🏽💕

  • @reikomyles1495
    @reikomyles14954 жыл бұрын

    Excuse my improper English: Ain't nothing like your FREEDOM.

  • @-a-cb-l9000
    @-a-cb-l90004 жыл бұрын

    I would love to see this as a movie.

  • @mountvernon

    @mountvernon

    4 жыл бұрын

    Her story is truly astounding, it would be a must-see movie

  • @sandranorman5469

    @sandranorman5469

    4 жыл бұрын

    Can’t you see the pickets??? ‘’Negroes were treated fairly”

  • @kevinw9073
    @kevinw90734 жыл бұрын

    Now what I find curious is why over 250 people dislike this? A great piece of American history.

  • @r.c.whitaker296

    @r.c.whitaker296

    4 жыл бұрын

    Those people are called "racists".

  • @twilajohnson2313
    @twilajohnson23134 жыл бұрын

    This is a very sanitized version of that story

  • @jules5215

    @jules5215

    4 жыл бұрын

    Please tell ? Or where can I find more details. I'm intrigued I'm going to make a note to look for this

  • @gabrielleallen4925

    @gabrielleallen4925

    4 жыл бұрын

    I agree because I didn't know Washington but a man that own many slaves why you would beg for her return.

  • @godsgirl7201

    @godsgirl7201

    4 жыл бұрын

    😮😮

  • @marlaturner1262

    @marlaturner1262

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@gabrielleallen4925 he was a kkk bastard just became the president...

  • @melissasaint3283

    @melissasaint3283

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@marlaturner1262 the kkk did not exist until about a century after Washington lived.

  • @anthonygiarrusso4312
    @anthonygiarrusso43124 жыл бұрын

    Amazing story and even better story telling. This woman is phenomenal, fantastic transitions of accent when quoting judge making the story feel even more real.

  • @jeffambrosia5678
    @jeffambrosia56784 жыл бұрын

    She was brave

  • @JoyWandrey
    @JoyWandrey4 жыл бұрын

    Excellent work as always Ms. Brenda. I love that you are telling these stories. Thank you.

  • @brendaparker3107

    @brendaparker3107

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Joy. Tell you husband I said hello.

  • @rubypayton4539
    @rubypayton45393 жыл бұрын

    I can not imagine what it's like to be owned by someone else. To never be able to decide for yourself. It was a horrible life... I admire her for her convictions.

  • @grandmanancy4719

    @grandmanancy4719

    Жыл бұрын

    Children are being sold as sex traffickers today all over the world. I don't think Washington was cruel to his slaves. He freed them in his will so I hope they were treated better than some slaves are today.

  • @ceilconstante7813
    @ceilconstante78134 жыл бұрын

    I really appreciate these living historical lessons. We weren't taught Black American History in school. I was 15 when Alex Haley's Roots aired on TV. I've been educating myself on the harsh realities of my country's shameful past. The USA hasn't done enough to amend for the cruelties and atrocities.

  • @ramonasp4989

    @ramonasp4989

    4 жыл бұрын

    When I was about 10 or so we had to do reports on Black Leaders in our history in the early 70' - and I was in Georgia! Thought all schools taught it then!

  • @ceilconstante7813

    @ceilconstante7813

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@ramonasp4989 I knew there was slavery, knew about Rosa Parks, MLK and civil rights but didn't really learn about the harsh realities till I saw Roots. I grew up in Dearborn MI. Our mayor Orval M Hubbard and Henry Ford were raceiest so it may have something to do it.

  • @Dignitatis
    @Dignitatis4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for bringing this woman to life, and doing it so very well!

  • @OpieDogie
    @OpieDogie4 жыл бұрын

    It’s so hard to understand how someone could refuse GOD’s given rights of another and hold them against their will. Thanks for spreading the light of these early American heros and heroines who risked it all to pursue happiness

  • @lorraineforte9175
    @lorraineforte91754 жыл бұрын

    So devastating for all those people that lived during that time in history. We are all so fortunate to be living in a time where we are all free and able to achieve our dreams.

  • @BlessedandBeautifullyBlended
    @BlessedandBeautifullyBlended4 жыл бұрын

    This was very informative. Wow, all the stories that we have yet to hear. Your voice is very pleasant making it easier to take in this knowledge. Thank you for sharing. 💜💜

  • @annieoakley2925
    @annieoakley29252 жыл бұрын

    The real story is so much better than a 1970's Washington mini-series portrayed it. It showed Martha teaching Ona to sew rather than the reverse. After Ona had escaped someone who had known her shows up at the Washington home and Martha tells the person, "Please tell Onie that we'd like to see her sometime", as if Onie was just an old friend whom Martha missed.

  • @arlonfoster9997

    @arlonfoster9997

    3 ай бұрын

    That series was George Washington Foraging of a Nation 1986 with Barry Bostwick. Good series and portrayal of Washington

  • @ezpic2
    @ezpic24 жыл бұрын

    Amazing story of FREEDOM at ALL cost! Thank you for this video.

  • @khadijah279
    @khadijah2794 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing this history! It’s lovely to learn of stories that exceed the ones taught to us in grade school!! I’ll share this with my daughters.!! Thank you again 😇

  • @joannemichel7264
    @joannemichel72644 жыл бұрын

    You can buy material things but no price can be placed on freedom. Great narration and beautiful story

  • @elizabethgenat-hung2645
    @elizabethgenat-hung26454 жыл бұрын

    I would have done the same. I was nearly in the same place as she was when my mother & her boyfriend wanted to force me into sexual slavery. I ran at 16 & chose to die before I'd let them do that to me!

  • @tonimarie9985

    @tonimarie9985

    4 жыл бұрын

    Glad you left. A life of what you went through is real! Many blessing to you and keep your children if you have any safe🙏💐

  • @elizabethgenat-hung2645

    @elizabethgenat-hung2645

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@tonimarie9985 I have one son. He is someone to be very proud of

  • @tonimarie9985

    @tonimarie9985

    4 жыл бұрын

    All I can say is Amazing. I have 2 daughter's. They were raised attached to my hip. Even working 12 hr shifts they would be with mama at times. You have a wonderful remaining of the week. Leave the past behind move forward. Never look back. 🌞

  • @thembekahadebe8122

    @thembekahadebe8122

    4 жыл бұрын

    That's horrible. Sorry to hear that 💔

  • @kathym8453
    @kathym84534 жыл бұрын

    Keep in mind that even this story is told from the dominatrix perspective. The acceptable story as it is relayed to us tells us that she was treated "well" because there is a record of Washington buying her "things" and providing her with occasional pocket change. But we don't really know for sure how she was treated on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes valuable history has a way of falling through the cracks when people want to hide the details.

  • @janekatzer1199
    @janekatzer11994 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for making videos about our American history. I really truly love learning new facts about the past. Really helps understand the present.

  • @rosannagenao195
    @rosannagenao1954 жыл бұрын

    That was Beautiful, courageous and encouraging. Thank you for that piece of knowledge 😍

  • @catchmorningtea6466
    @catchmorningtea64664 жыл бұрын

    So she named her daughter after the fierce tempered granddaughter?!? I assume as a reminder why she Would Never Return💕💪🏾💕

  • @medusagorgon8432
    @medusagorgon84324 жыл бұрын

    Why in the world would she regret leaving slavery? Only someone born and remained free all their life would ask such a question!

  • @gregbrightwell662
    @gregbrightwell6624 жыл бұрын

    Ive wanted to visit Mount Vernon again, i went as a teen with my school, just to see Brenda. Every time I see an interview or story with her, I feel like crying.

  • @jintzie1950jth
    @jintzie1950jth4 жыл бұрын

    This is so wonderful! Thank you for this.

  • @lilchickennugget8155
    @lilchickennugget81554 жыл бұрын

    Plays, the circus , gowns and stocking and new shoes..none of that compares to freedom.💔

  • @kenya9540
    @kenya95404 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this informative video.

  • @michellemcgee2099
    @michellemcgee20992 жыл бұрын

    I LOVE THIS NARRATION HER VOICE MAKES YOU WANT TO HEAR ABOUT WHAT SLAVERY WAS ABOUT EVEN THOUGH IT HURTS ME TO MY HEART WE HAVE TO KEEP THIS OUT BECAUSE OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN AND GREAT GREAT GRANDCHILDREN NEED TO NO THIS ..PEACE AND BLESSINGS FAM 🙌🙏

  • @sonitaluvfamily5627
    @sonitaluvfamily56274 жыл бұрын

    Your voice is so soothing story teller. Thank you 🙏🏾

  • @carolro6673
    @carolro66734 жыл бұрын

    There is a book written about this. “Never Caught”. I got it from the library. It’s very good.

  • @brendaparker3107

    @brendaparker3107

    4 жыл бұрын

    It is exceptional I think as well. I saw Erica Dunbar here when she was interviewed for The Post before the books launch. I have also heard her lecture here before too. I was just happy that we were finally telling the stories of people on the property on a more personal level. trying to give them agency, and will and a life.

  • @aquilaclark814
    @aquilaclark8144 жыл бұрын

    I'm thrilled she escaped..and remained adamant about not going back to the Washingtons good for you lady ..!!!!

  • @Abby-yc7tt
    @Abby-yc7tt4 жыл бұрын

    Brenda, you have such a wonderful voice. Perfect for storytelling. If you were my teacher I would've learned a lot more in school.

  • @VirtuousPraiseworthy
    @VirtuousPraiseworthy Жыл бұрын

    Thank you. I've seen your work before. You are one of the greats.

  • @NOWWECAN
    @NOWWECAN4 жыл бұрын

    So good to hear such a heartfelt story of George Washington’s compassion. With all his prestige and power he allowed her to be free even though it made him seem weak in those times. He could have forced her to return at any time. It is obvious the so called bounty was for appearances only. Long live the greatness of George Washington and the educated ability of Americans to see these stories with periodical context and reflection.

  • @Belburg

    @Belburg

    3 жыл бұрын

    She wasn't his direct slave, but Martha's dower slave. So truthfully she wasn't his direct slave, plus with his views at that time, he probably was a bit indifferent, but acted out because of his wife.

  • @mzk123ify
    @mzk123ify4 жыл бұрын

    She is a great story teller. I wanted to keep listening. I would buy an audio book of hers.

  • @k1ng.k0e
    @k1ng.k0e3 жыл бұрын

    Amazing job on the narration and story telling- technically the samething. Please do keep it up. You gave me those chills/shivers of excitment and empathy. Amazing

  • @donnasnorthernlights2089
    @donnasnorthernlights20893 жыл бұрын

    I love reading about Ona. Thank you.

  • @MrStanley39
    @MrStanley394 жыл бұрын

    I love to hear these stories.......it tell me to keep fighting every day for life.

  • @gloriouse4458
    @gloriouse44584 жыл бұрын

    Thank u for you’re Fabulous Narrative ❣️👍 Now, if we the People can take what we’ve hurd and apply it to the person in the Peoples House now, we shall be Free! Freedom Is Everything 💓👌💗🌺

  • @jesussaves4473
    @jesussaves44734 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much! I love your videos! God bless!

  • @Musclebaddie
    @Musclebaddie4 жыл бұрын

    This was a beautiful performance. I really enjoyed the video and learning about this courageous woman!

  • @annalisette5897
    @annalisette58974 жыл бұрын

    Really great presentation!

  • @lindaparker6102
    @lindaparker61024 жыл бұрын

    Ina Judge, happy to learn about this lady ! Wow, what a bio ? She knew she was born to be “Free.” She was gorgeous !

  • @CoachSherri
    @CoachSherri4 жыл бұрын

    I’ve never heard this story. A movie, mini series or something needs to be made of it. Thank you for sharing💫

  • @rasil4u

    @rasil4u

    2 ай бұрын

    They will NEVER permit that. In fact they want us to forget that slavery ever existed, but those of us who know, can not.

  • @robmarshallofficial
    @robmarshallofficial2 жыл бұрын

    This is amazing. Thank you for this

  • @mary80brown
    @mary80brown4 жыл бұрын

    Great narrator. Great history. 💜

  • @nickymcneil8544
    @nickymcneil85444 жыл бұрын

    I love the name Ona, in Irish it means lamb, in Hebrew it means graceful and in Latin it means the one and in African it means fire! This name is surprisingly international, she sounds like one of a kind.

  • @whitegirl4189

    @whitegirl4189

    3 жыл бұрын

    In Polish ona means "she". It is almost symbolic. The strength of a woman.

  • @dinamothupi996

    @dinamothupi996

    5 ай бұрын

    Which African language are you referring to? There isn't an African langauge that is called "African"

  • @juanap2230
    @juanap22304 жыл бұрын

    I truly enjoyed your skit, and you can sing thanks for shareing history in a very eloquent way.

  • @jennifermeyer8483
    @jennifermeyer84833 жыл бұрын

    You are such an amazing story teller♥. Thank you.

  • @lizonia100
    @lizonia1004 жыл бұрын

    God why did we suffer such harsh treatment 😢

  • @godmadesam
    @godmadesam4 жыл бұрын

    I’m reading, “The Water Dancer”, by Ta-Nehisi Coates. This reminds me when Hiram made it to Philadelphia and was free to be “free”. Very powerful, poignant, and tantalizing novel. This book is so well written and so very descriptive, you can see every chapter as you would a movie. I highly recommend this read!

  • @mountvernon

    @mountvernon

    4 жыл бұрын

    We will have to see about offering this in our bookshop. Thank you for recommending this to our viewers, Samuel!

  • @ladydesiree9330

    @ladydesiree9330

    4 жыл бұрын

    Samuel Toomer , Keep reading he has more excellent!

  • @godmadesam

    @godmadesam

    4 жыл бұрын

    George Washington's Mount Vernon np!

  • @godmadesam

    @godmadesam

    4 жыл бұрын

    Lady Desiree yes ma’am. I’m about to read “Between The World and Me” soon after I finish my other book! Thanks for the encouragement!

  • @caraxkins
    @caraxkins10 ай бұрын

    Thank you for sharing this story!

  • @toastrecon
    @toastrecon4 жыл бұрын

    These videos are so good. Fascinating.

  • @mountvernon

    @mountvernon

    4 жыл бұрын

    We're glad to hear you enjoyed it David and we will let our team know!

  • @priscillasaravia
    @priscillasaravia4 жыл бұрын

    I love your voice Ms. Brenda!

  • @mountvernon

    @mountvernon

    4 жыл бұрын

    Brenda is so talented. Watch her narrate the life of George Washington's Enslaved Housemaid, Caroline Branham, here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/oouBq9N7nb3ToM4.html

  • @brendaparker3107

    @brendaparker3107

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you kindly.

  • @alohalivin556
    @alohalivin5564 жыл бұрын

    She does such a wonderful job of explaining things that seemed normal to people of the day, but that seem so odd and sad to us now!

  • @cherrymisha4797
    @cherrymisha47974 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing this story

  • @denisenichols6505
    @denisenichols65054 жыл бұрын

    Love history !!! Very well done video. Thank you.

  • @davidbarfield3489
    @davidbarfield34894 жыл бұрын

    Amazing story.

  • @KwoliToli
    @KwoliToli4 жыл бұрын

    I’m glad she got away

  • @chimereballard9609
    @chimereballard96093 жыл бұрын

    I won’t believe it happened this way unless Ona Judge tells me herself which isn’t gonna happen...America loves to put a nice pretty bow on history

  • @Kaydiasez
    @Kaydiasez3 жыл бұрын

    This made me cry. Thank you.

  • @yuckitupyo
    @yuckitupyo4 жыл бұрын

    While I have infinte respect for Ona Judge, and honor her life, it is utterly unaccceptable that the title insults her by framing her as George Washington's. She was a human being. A human that was held captive. Not ever his. He, like all slaveholders, was a monster full stop.

  • @Kindred04

    @Kindred04

    4 жыл бұрын

    I agree with you 100%. The title is truly repulsive.

  • @arlonfoster9997

    @arlonfoster9997

    3 ай бұрын

    @yuckitupyo. He was a demanding and brutal slave owner but he eventually freed them in 1799. As for you calling him a “monster” if you are implying that for his flaws as a human being you are wrong. If you choose to dismiss the good and focus on the bad and ugly of him instead of balancing it you are also wrong.

  • @MrBrownnn696
    @MrBrownnn6965 жыл бұрын

    How old was she at 1840 ? Such a great account

  • @mountvernon

    @mountvernon

    5 жыл бұрын

    Birth records were not kept for enslaved individuals but it's believed that Ona was born circa 1773. Based on that approximation she would have been 67 years old.

  • @amberrose1108

    @amberrose1108

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@mountvernon How old was she when she ran away?

  • @TrudyPatootie
    @TrudyPatootie4 жыл бұрын

    Brenda Parker.. What a remarkable character interpretation. Great job.. ** Bravo** You have such a soft gentle voice. I could listen to you for hours. Thank you.

  • @brendaparker3107

    @brendaparker3107

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. Apparently some persons seem to disagree or think that my smile was some how approving of Washington's actions. The pain of the acknowledgement causes people to lash out at me in anger. Don't shoot the messenger. Focus on the message.

  • @TrudyPatootie

    @TrudyPatootie

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@brendaparker3107 Oh absolutely agree. I'm sorry that you received that feedback. IF I were you I would look into being a voice character or reading books orally... beautiful voice.

  • @c.calliecoleman1531
    @c.calliecoleman15314 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful documentary done by narrator. Thank you. ✌❤🙏

  • @sharpaycutie2
    @sharpaycutie24 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful story. No matter how nice or tolerable the masters were its not better than being a FREE man or woman.

  • @kayla.kenndy6502
    @kayla.kenndy65024 жыл бұрын

    The is so weird, I feel like I’ve never really knew what slavery was until I looked into but now that I truly no I feel like some has to be stupider than dirty to think that’s okay... It’s confusing how someone could do this... It doesn’t hurt me It doesn’t make me angry or sad It mad me scared and confused..I genuinely don’t understand what would drive someone to do this?

  • @tinycrimester

    @tinycrimester

    4 жыл бұрын

    You and me both

  • @patrickhows1482

    @patrickhows1482

    4 жыл бұрын

    Sadly with very few exceptions until the eighteenth century in cultures that had slavery as part of their society was slavery ever questioned by the prevailing ethical system. No Ancient Greek or Roman philosopher denounced slavery, Aristotle thought some men were naturally 'slavish', Seneca, who as Stoic believed in universal brotherhood, still accepted slavery. The attitude of Christianity and other faiths to slavery is well known.

  • @charlesroeckeriv6226
    @charlesroeckeriv62263 жыл бұрын

    Very inspiring story! Thank you Mount Vernon for doing such a terrific job addressing all the strengths and weaknesses of G.W. and colonial life at the time.

  • @danihoward7900
    @danihoward79003 жыл бұрын

    I named my daughter Ona never knowing of this amazing woman, I'm so happy to know she has an awesome person to share a name with 🥰

  • @bieassialaw6832
    @bieassialaw68324 жыл бұрын

    WoW! Just WoW! WoW 😔

  • @AuthorLHollingsworth
    @AuthorLHollingsworth4 жыл бұрын

    He story would make a great film, but only if Jurnee Smollett- Ball or a newer actress could play the role. Our Blackness is beautiful. Thanks, for the upload.

  • @RayniDayze

    @RayniDayze

    4 жыл бұрын

    Why her or a newer actress?? Why would it matter who plays Ona?? As long as her story is told, that's all that matters.

  • @lindavenable9406
    @lindavenable94064 жыл бұрын

    THIS IS A VERY INTERESTING STORY. I HOPE THEY MAKE A MOVIE ABOUT HER, BECAUSE I'VE NEVER HEARD OF HER BEFORE.

  • @monique_pryce
    @monique_pryce4 жыл бұрын

    This was a very nicely presented video! 👍🏾👍🏾