The introduction of this singular, important work directly confronts the contradiction of founding fathers who fought for and spoke on behalf of freedom and liberty in the establishment of our nation while owning and relying on slave labor. “This book is about how the threads of slavery were woven deeply into almost every aspect of American society for centuries … It is about wealth and political power and untold misery. It is also about the deep scars slavery left on America—old wounds that surface in racial conflict today.” It goes on to look at the lives of five enslaved individuals, Billy Lee, Ona Judge, Isaac Granger, Paul Jennings, and Alfred Jackson, who were the “property” of four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Andrew Jackson. Author Davis examines the complexities and confronts the contradictions that go back to the founding of America in this thoroughly researched and documented work while also illuminating the lives of five African Americans, most of whom actively pursued freedom. (Age 13 and older)

Did you know that many of America’s Founding Fathers—who fought for liberty and justice for all—were slave owners?

Through the powerful stories of five enslaved people who were “owned” by four of our greatest presidents, this book helps set the record straight about the role slavery played in the founding of America. From Billy Lee, valet to George Washington, to Alfred Jackson, faithful servant of Andrew Jackson, these dramatic narratives explore our country’s great tragedy—that a nation “conceived in liberty” was also born in shackles.

These stories help us know the real people who were essential to the birth of this nation but traditionally have been left out of the history books. Their stories are true—and they should be heard.

This thoroughly-researched and documented book can be worked into multiple aspects of the common core curriculum.