Taking Liberty: The Story of Oney Judge, George Washington's Runaway Slave

Taking Liberty: The Story of Oney Judge, George Washington's Runaway Slave

<I>When I was four and my daddy left, I cried, but I understood. He had become part of the Gone.</I> <BR><BR> Oney Judge is a slave. But on the plantation of Mount Vernon, the beautiful home of George and Martha Washington, she is not called a slave. She is referred to as a servant, and a house servant at that -- a position of influence and respect. When she rises to the position of personal servant to Martha Washington, her status among the household staff -- black or white -- is second to none. She is Lady Washington's closest confidante and for all intents and purposes, a member of the family -- or so she thinks. <BR> Slowly, Oney's perception of her life with the Washingtons begins to crack as she realizes the truth: No matter what it's called, it's still slavery and she's still a slave. <BR> Oney must make a choice. Does she stay where she is -- comfortable, with this family that has loved her and nourished her and <I>owned</I> her since the day she was born? Or does she take her liberty -- her life -- into her own hands, and like her father, become one of the Gone? <BR> Told with immense power and compassion, <I>Taking Liberty</I> is the extraordinary true story of one young woman's struggle to take what is rightfully hers.