The Story of Ona Judge George Washington’s Runaway Slave

Author Dunbar headlines April 3 discussion at Tri-C Western Campus

PARMA — Hear the powerful story of runaway slave Ona Judge — who found freedom after escaping the President’s House during George Washington’s second term — during an upcoming discussion at the Western Campus of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®).

The free program — “The Founding of a Nation Through the Eyes of the Enslaved: The Life of Ona Judge” — will take place from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, at Tri-C’s Western Campus Theatre in Parma.

The discussion will be led by Erica Armstrong Dunbar, the Charles and Mary Beard Professor of History at Rutgers University. She is the author of Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge.

As a historian, Dunbar has committed to telling the stories of black women who fought to survive in a nation that recognized many of them as property. She focuses on the uncomfortable concepts of slavery, racial injustice and gender inequality.

“While there is deep pain associated with these topics,” Dunbar says on her website, “I marvel at the incredible triumph of survival and the beautiful history of resistance.”

Visit www.tri-c.edu/OnaJudge to reserve a seat at the free event. There will be a reception and book signing after the presentation.

Dunbar’s visit is part of the Carol S. Franklin Social Science Speakers Series sponsored by the Western Campus Division of Social Sciences. The series provides a forum to enhance awareness of current events and issues relevant to the community.

For more information, call 216-987-5508. Western Campus is located at 11000 Pleasant Valley Road in Parma.