Sally Hemings was born into slavery, a fate dictated by her maternal bloodline. Two generations of women before her bore children fathered by their white masters; Sally was the third. Under law, children of enslaved women were born slaves, regardless of paternity. All 6 of

Sally’s children would be born the property of her master, their father, Thomas Jefferson.
Of the 12 Presidents of the United States to have owned slaves, 8 of them did so while in office. One of those 8, self-proclaimed abolitionist Thomas Jefferson owned more slaves than any

other President in history (600+).
Like Sally Hemings, Paul Jennings was born into slavery–his father a white Englishman, his mother an African-Native American slave belonging to our nation’s 4th President, James Madison. At the age of 10, Jennings and other slaves moved with

Madison to the White House. During the 1814 British attack and occupation of the capital, 15-year-old Jennings, along with other slaves & staff, rescued valuables & priceless historical items from destruction (one of many parallels in the now relevant 26-hour chapter of history).

Recollections of Jennings’ time in Washington would later be published in what is considered to be the first White House memoir.
It is unclear–though doubtful–if the story of Sally Hemings & Thomas Jefferson is a romantic one, but DNA tests & research have determined Jefferson

“most likely” fathered all 6 Hemings’ children, a fact that, despite strong supporting evidence, has upset many who consider the historical consensus offensive, like the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society, one of many groups fighting to preserve American history as it has long

been taught & upheld. Last month, Republican lawmakers in 5 states filed bills seeking to cut funding to schools & colleges that provide more comprehensive history lessons derived from the Pulitzer Prize-winning 1619 Project.
Removing or avoiding history’s truth is detrimental to

all Americans; doing so preserves a singular American tradition and legacy: white supremacy.

DM if you’d like to purchase these drawings of Hemings & Jennings. Profit from sale will be donated to the @pulitzercenter . Details below.

#presidentsday

Drawings of Sally Hemings (7.75 x 10”) & Paul Jennings (5.5 x 8.5”). Watercolor, Charcoal & Pastel pencil. Sold as a pair; $175; Free shipping.
DM to purchase (serious inquiries only, please). Venmo or CashApp. Paypal (add 3.12% fee). Please allow 24 hours for response.