Historical truth advocates are marking a significant milestone – two centuries and three decades since Ona Judge made her brave break from bondage under George Washington’s ownership.
Born into enslavement on Washington’s estate, Judge was just 22 when she made her bold move on May 21, 1796, fleeing from the president’s official Philadelphia home. She concealed herself aboard a vessel bound for New Hampshire, where she eventually wed and bore three children.
Philadelphia has officially recognized May 21st as Ona Judge Day, with Thursday’s demonstration held at the President’s House location. This site became a focal point of the Trump administration’s campaign to eliminate what it considered “disparaging” content about Americans from government properties. Rally attendees shouted “Tell the truth! Restore our history!” while listening to speakers involved in the battle to reinstate displays about Judge and others who were enslaved there.
The informational displays were suddenly taken down this past January after President Donald Trump issued an executive directive. While some exhibits returned following a court ruling, that restoration work stopped when the administration filed an appeal.
Judge’s display panel has been reinstalled, and her memory lives on through a series of bronze footprint markers placed in the pavement to represent her journey to liberty.
“We remember her courage, her passion, her determination, that we make sure that in no way, shape or form she is ever forgotten,” said Cindy Bass, a member of the Philadelphia City Council. “Each one, teach one. Everyone, tell someone.”
Dawn Chavous, a volunteer for the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, said it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of all people who shaped the country.
“You can’t love America without knowing the good, the bad and the ugly,” she said. “Slavery was part of our American story, and that is not something that we should hide or run away from.”
Meanwhile in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a large-scale artwork honoring Judge will be revealed Saturday – a 13-by-25-foot wall painting on property belonging to the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. This group has highlighted her narrative through guided tours and educational initiatives for many years.
“At a time when stories of struggle and freedom are being erased, New Hampshire is choosing something different: to make the quest for freedom visible, permanent, and undeniable,” the organization said in announcing the mural project.
