Philadelphia Leaders, Historians, and Community Advocates to Recognize Ona Judge Day

May 21 will be recognized as Ona Judge Day in the City of Philadelphia. The event will feature speakers including Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar, author of Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway, Slave Ona Judge. Program guests will honor Ona Judge, who was enslaved by George and Martha Washington and courageously escaped from the President’s House in pursuit of freedom, highlighting her story as an essential part of the American narrative. The program will also include a special announcement from a representative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

During the event, the Ona Judge Coalition will unveil its plans for events and educational programs to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. Participants will also discuss the importance of preserving an authentic, inclusive, and historically accurate interpretation of slavery at the President’s House.

For additional information or to schedule interviews, please contact Yvonne Drayton at 215.882.3765. Press check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m. Please provide media outlet credentials at the press check-in desk in the Liberty View Ballroom foyer, Mezzanine Level.

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The Ona Judge Coalition is committed to preserving the accurate and authentic history of slavery through immersive technology, scholarship, community engagement, public discussions, and permanent and virtual exhibitions.