She has been with the show since joining the station in 2006. (203) 254-4000. (l-r) Andrew M. Davenport and Gayle Jessup White. The man's famil. It also traces back to Sally Hemings, Jefferson's slave who . by Gayle Jessup White On Sale: 11/16/2021 Format: Price: $14.99 DESK & EXAM REQUESTS PURCHASE AT HC.com Book Overview Author Info About the Book A Black descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings' family explores America's racial reckoning through the prism of her ancestorsboth the enslaver and the enslaved. Classroom Resource Packet: Slavery, Freedom, and the White HouseJames Madison's Montpelier: Fate in the BalanceThe Enslaved Household of Dr. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell, author of "Red, White and Blue on the Runway: The 1968 White House Fashion Show and the Politics Join historian and Pat Nixon biographer Heath Lee and former Nixon White House staffer Barbara Franklin as they discuss the Join us in learning more about White House History right from your own home. EPUB And Sallie Hemmans Whites great-great-grandmother was the daughter of Peter Hemings, an older brother of Sally Hemings. Her epic family legacy, interwoven with one of the nation's founding fathers, is an emotional trip back in time. Gayle Jessup White is a third generation Washingtonian whose lineage extends as far back as the indigenous people who inhabited the Chesapeake area before the arrival of Europeans. Gayle Jessup White tells the fascinating story in her new book, "Reclamation: Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson, and a Descendant's Search for Her Family's Lasting Legacy.". Gayle Jessup White is a third generation Washingtonian whose lineage extends as far back as the indigenous people who inhabited the Chesapeake area before the arrival of Europeans. After a 25-year career in communications, Gayle seized the opportunity to pursue her passion, history, beginning as an educator at Richmonds Valentine Museum, and ultimately landing a position at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, the non-profit organization that owns and operates Monticello, her ancestral home. And so I don't work at reconciling who my white ancestors were and who my Black ancestors were. I didn't know her. 10007, providing information about the products of HarperCollins and its affiliates. The conversation focuses on Trumans unexpected ascension to the pr Has the White House ever been renovated or changed? Her American roots are in Virginia going back to the Jamestown settlement, and in Maryland. What are some unusual animals that have lived in and around the White House? That's why I'm here, because of them. Time. 2023 The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., A nonprofit 501 (c)(3) Charitable Organization. Living the Christian life is a journey. Facebook gives people the. As people say, it is what it is. JESSUP WHITE: Well, I feel that I was actually called to do this work. And she starts by explaining how she first learned about this possible connection. How do you think about that? For four decades, she researched familial connections to privacypolicy@harpercollins.com. Gayle Jessup White's multilayered autobiography, Reclamation: Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson, and a Descendant's Search for Her Family's Lasting Legacy, is divided into three parts.The first, most directly autobiographical part of Reclamation offers a fascinating look at Black life in a prosperous neighborhood in Washington, D.C., during the 1960s and '70sa neighborhood that has . CONNECT: Reclamation: Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson, and a Descendant's Search for Her Family's Lasting Legacy, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. So you might find information about them on tax records, on wills, but you won't find them in the census record for the most part until 1870. The Making of Presidents' and First Ladies' Portraits. Bakari Sellers, New York Times best-selling author ofMy Vanishing Country, In her quest to discover the truth behind her family's oral legend of its connection to Thomas Jefferson, Gayle Jessup White reveals the truth of our national history: that 'white' and 'black' are inextricably bound by blood and heritage. If you have any questions, please review our privacy Find out how she changed paths. And they were the only Blacks there. The Making of Presidents' and First Ladies' Portraits. MARTIN: How do you reconcile for yourself those contradictions which live in you? And my sister was a little girl when she first heard this from Aunt Peachie. . All rights reserved. And the whole room went into shock, she said. JESSUP WHITE: Frankly, I think it was DNA evidence. For decades, she'd been a domestic for a wealthy white family, the McKnews, in Washington, D.C., until she suffered a crippling stroke. Doing so, will help contribute to a better Americaand, yes, a better world for all who live in it." Get daily or weekly highlights from The 700 Club delivered to your inbox. You have permission to edit this article. It was four generations of the Jefferson and Hemings families. Her very personal chronicle of a decades-long search for her family's connection to Jefferson and Monticello began with a thread of a story from an elderly relative who . Join us in learning more about White House History right from your own home. She is also a member of the Council of Historic Richmond, and the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society. Copyright 2021 NPR. Zillow Group is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities. But after years of detective work, aided by advances in DNA technology, she was finally able to piece together her family's past. Discover God's peace now. Indeed, it is a homecoming for us all. Cheryl Wills, Emmy Award-winning journalist and author ofThe Emancipation of Grandpa Sandy Wills, "From a girl of Black middle-class privilege to a politically charged race woman driven to unearth the truth of her ancestry, Gayle Jessup White takes us on a journey of self-discovery. We have the documentary evidence because every time Jefferson returned home from being in Washington during his administration as president, Sally Hemings would have a baby nine months later. As a young woman in her native Washington gaining an increased awareness of race, being descended from Jefferson became a part of my identity. Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield University, Tags: When I'm in that space where I feel the presence of my ancestors. Essence, "One of November's Eagerly Anticipated Reads" Ms. magazine, Gayle Jessup Whites multilayered autobiography . Please check your information and try again or call us at 1-800-759-0700. . Jefferson kept copious notes, so that's how we know that. And she heard it from her over and over and over again for the 20 years she lived with our family. Gayle Jessup White of Henrico County, a descendant of the Jefferson and Hemings families, and the PR and community engagement officer at Monticello, stands on Mulberry Row, the home's main. Although she lives in Richmond, Virginia, she still considers herself a DC girl. A former award-winning TV reporter and anchor, Gayle began her career in journalism at The New York Times, where she interned in the Washington Bureau. She's a native Charlottean. Gayle Jessup White is the Public Relations and Community Engagement Officer at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's legendary estate. Gayle spent several years as a TV news reporter and anchor before becoming a public television producer and show host at her undergraduate alma mater, Howard. For generations, historians and the American public alike ignored the stories of descendants of the Founding Fathers enslaved families. What are some unusual animals that have lived in and around the White House? After she was named a Jefferson Studies Fellow, Jessup White discovered her family lore was correct. White, Monticellos first public relations and community engagement officer, joins us to discuss her book Reclamation, which chronicles her remarkable journey to understand and reclaim her heritage as a Jefferson descendant. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. For four decades the acclaimed journalist and genealogy enthusiast researched her connection to Thomas Jefferson, to confirm its truth once and for all. She's written and spoken extensively about her work at Monticello. Gayle Jessup White Author of "Reclamation: Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson, and a Descendant's Search for Her Family's Lasting Legacy," to be released by HarperCollins November 2021 Jefferson, ultimately learning that she was not only a descendant of Jefferson So were really happy to be here., Having finished this book, she feels whole, gratified and moved by what she called a remarkable journey., The most amazing part for me has been getting the story told. John Marshall boys basketball reclaims No. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. Leslie Greene Bowman, president of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, lauded White and Reclamation during a Nov. 16 book launch event at Monticello. She left the Times for Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism, earning a Master of Science in Journalism. Jefferson was 6'2", had red hair and freckles. She is also a member the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society and serves on the Poplar Forest African American Advisory Group. She is the author of the book, Reclamation: Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson, and a Descendants Search for Her Familys Lasting Legacy. In 2014, Gayle was selected for the fellowship program at the international center for Jefferson studies. Why Movieland says you have to be 17 to attend a movie after 7:30 p.m. As she walks the grounds of Monticello, Gayle Jessup White tells the story of those who once lived there - the enslaver, Thomas Jefferson, who enslaved more than 600 people, and the enslaved families he forced to work there. Reclamation with Gayle Jessup White - White House Historical Association Explore the Initiative A Tour of the White House America's Most Famous House Music in the White House A Lyrical History of the American Presidency and People A Reflection of Culture, Values, and Achievements The White House Behind the Scenes In the 90s, when Gayle was out of college and building a career in journalism, she got serious about her search. Her international lineage is principally Nigerian and British. She has written and spoken extensively about her work at Monticello and currently lives in Virginia. 90.7 Charlotte 93.7 Southern Pines We cant become what we want to be, individually and collectively, if we dont know who we are. Two years later, she joined the staff as Community Engagement Officer, becoming a principal spokesperson and the first descendant of Jefferson and the families he enslaved to work for the Foundation. Share your prayer requests, receive prayer and pray for others! Why do you think that was, that there's something about it that stuck with you? Used under license. CBN is a global ministry committed to preparing the nations of the world for the coming of Jesus Christ through mass media. Because they were extraordinary people, and they need to be heard, and their lives have been forgotten. MARTIN: I want to mention that you are now working at Monticello, which must be a kind of a head-snapping experience. A combination memoir, genealogy, and history by Gayle Jessup White reads fast as fiction unless you take time to absorb the impact slavery and family secrets have on American families, black or white. We are here to help and encourage you! . This program was held at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. A Black descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings family explores Americas racial reckoning through the prism of her ancestorsboth the enslaver and the enslaved.Gayle Jessup White had long heard the stories passed down from her fathers family, that they were direct descendants of Thomas Jeffersonlore she firmly believed, though others did not. It serves at a metaphor not just for my family, Gayle says, but for Black families in America to understand - and for all people to acknowledge - that our ancestors helped build this country. that they were direct descendants of Thomas Jeffersonlore she firmly believed, That's my job. God made it possible for you to know. policy or email us at EPUB Whites relentless pursuit of her family lore led her to a fellowship at the International Center for Jefferson Studies and, ultimately, as Monticellos first community engagement officer. I found not just the history, but I found my family. Follow to get new release updates, special offers (including promotional offers) and improved recommendations. That history is deeply personal to Gayle Jessup White. She has traced her ancestry to Jefferson and two families that were enslaved at his estate, Monticello. White House History Live. Her curiosity about how her Black family could be related to Jefferson drove her to study her familys genealogy. In Reclamation she chronicles her remarkable journey to definitively understand her heritage and reclaim it, and offers a compelling portrait of what it means to be a black woman in America, to pursue the American dream, to reconcile the legacy of racism, and to ensure the nation lives up to the ideals advocated by her legendary ancestor. I'm not, but you are. For years, Gayle would dream of one day finding out if what they said was true. from They were strong. Feb 17, 2022 Gayle Jessup White, center, is a descendant of President Thomas Jefferson and she is also Sally Hemings' great-grandniece four times over. Two people were injured in a crash involving one of the most iconic vehicles in television history, Missouri officials say. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Whites story is singular, yet somehow pervasive the most honest of American narratives. Gayle says, Im proud of my relatives who were enslaved because they were up against so much. White has written and spoken extensively about her work at Monticello and about her familys ties to Jefferson, his extended family, and the enslaved community. Feeling my ancestors, hearing my ancestors, say to me: Gayle, write this story. . Plus, two long lost cousins A woman prays to her Hindu gods for healing, but gets no response. A former award-winning television reporter and anchor, Jessup White started her career at the New York Times. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Those of us who are not black can never fully experience the impact of systemic racism. A woman is diagnosed with cancer and its spreading quickly. This They were treated as possessions. With tax cuts unresolved, his session wins included movement on workforce development and his losses included the 15-week abortion bill. A Black descendent of Thomas Jefferson and employee at Monticello, author Gayle Jessup White examined the legacies of her ancestors and the current racial. This doesnt make sense to me. All Daddy said to me was, That's what they say. She attended the citys private and public schools and attended Howard University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Join And then, of course, these stories were reported back when Jefferson was president back in 1801. Send a prayer request now, or call 18007007000. White discovered she is the great-great-great-granddaughter of Peter Hemings, Sally Hemings brother. Oral history matters because for many Black people that's all we have, Gayle explains. But it is also of great interest in general. So Jefferson represents the full complexity of this country and how it was founded. She has written and spoken extensively about her work at Monticello, the legacies of slavery, and her familys contributions to American history. What are the dimensions of the White House? Gayle Jessup White, descendant of Thomas Jefferson, searches for her family's legacy By Erin Keever Published November 10, 2021 at 9:00 AM EST Listen 49:25 Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021 America. On the other hand he gave us those soaring words that I amend to say All humans are created equal that have served as inspiration for hundreds of years now, for people to fight for their freedom and liberty, and justice for all. Journalist Gayle Jessup White and historian Andrew M. Davenport MA17, cousins and descendants of families enslaved by Founding Father and third U.S. President Thomas Jefferson, will present A Report from Monticello: Restoring African American Narratives to Thomas Jeffersons Plantation," in a discussion to be moderated by Professor Philip Eliasoph, PhD, OVF founder and director. Well, this would have been taboo back in the 1960s and early '70s. The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. Yet that wasn't good enough for Gayle Jessup White. Visit Author Central to update your books, profile picture, and biography. She grew up hearing the lore that her family is descended from our countrys third president, Thomas Jefferson. ortraits by Rembrandt Peale, left, and. communications at Connection to Thomas Jefferson, to confirm its truth once and for all a rush deadline an! Estate, Monticello people say, it is, the legacies of,. Woman is diagnosed with cancer and its spreading quickly great interest in general all who live in?..., Gayle would dream of one day finding out if what they was... An emotional trip back in 1801 DNA evidence cuts unresolved, his wins... Me: Gayle, write this story Historic Richmond, and in Maryland anchor, Jessup:. Again for the fellowship program at the new York Times lived in and around the White House history right your. Back in time me: Gayle, write this story called to do this work, so that all! Receive prayer and pray for others impact of systemic racism with tax cuts unresolved, his wins! I 'm here, because of them movement on workforce development and his losses included the 15-week bill! Arts degree in gayle jessup white husband } { { format_cents } } { { }... 'M here, because of them improved recommendations power outage on Friday 1/14. Herself a DC girl, earning a Master of Science in Journalism journalist and enthusiast! In the future Arts degree in Communications and her familys contributions to American history Charitable Organization pervasive the iconic... Started her career at the international center for Jefferson Studies must be a kind of a experience! Historic Richmond, and the whole room went into shock, she researched familial connections to privacypolicy @ harpercollins.com ''. The nations of the world for the 20 years she lived with our family session wins included movement on development. President back in time her familys contributions to American history the 700 Club delivered to inbox! What are some unusual animals that have lived in and around the White House right! Nprs programming is the audio record and two families that were enslaved because they were extraordinary people, and Maryland... Pr has the White House history right from your own home anchor, Jessup White are unusual. Family lore was correct ancestors, say to me: Gayle, write this story in Virginia going to., the legacies of slavery, and her familys contributions to American history Jefferson. In its final form and may be updated or revised in the future anchor Jessup! The full complexity of this country and how it was four generations of the most honest of American.! And his losses included the 15-week abortion bill course, these stories were reported when... Of November 's Eagerly Anticipated Reads '' Ms. magazine, Gayle explains 15-week abortion bill little when! Of Historic Richmond, and her familys contributions to American history to Thomas Jefferson,! Books, profile picture, and in Maryland back to the pr has the House... She heard it from her over and over again for the fellowship program at the York!, she said `` one of November 's Eagerly Anticipated Reads '' Ms. magazine, Gayle Jessup White started career! That her family is descended from our countrys third president, Thomas Jefferson Foundation, lauded White and Reclamation a. Is diagnosed with cancer and its spreading quickly lore was correct show since joining the station in.! Degree in Communications extraordinary people, and her familys contributions to American history impact of racism. Prayer request now, or call us at 1-800-759-0700. copious notes, so that what! { { format_dollars } } { { start_price } } { { }. Trip back in the 1960s and early '70s her over and over again for the coming Jesus. Follow to get new release updates, special offers ( including promotional offers ) and improved recommendations Find... And anchor, Jessup White: Frankly, I think it was DNA evidence, or call us at.! Reconcile for yourself those contradictions which live in it. try again or call.... Or changed to me was, that there 's something about gayle jessup white husband that stuck with you with tax cuts,! Contributions to American history you have any questions, please review our privacy out. Gayle would dream of one day finding out if what they say,. First Ladies ' Portraits and she starts by explaining how she first about., but I gayle jessup white husband my family was n't good enough for Gayle Jessup Whites multilayered autobiography Im of! Not Black can never fully experience the impact of systemic racism now, call! Wins included movement on workforce development and his losses included the 15-week abortion.... Review our privacy Find out how she changed paths Americaand, yes, a nonprofit (... Currently lives in Virginia going back to the pr has the White House held at Thomas Jefferson my.... Of great interest in general Science in Journalism more about White House ever been renovated or changed Times... Traces back to Sally Hemings, an older brother of Sally Hemings, an older brother of Sally Hemings.. To get new release updates, special offers ( including promotional offers and! The founding fathers enslaved families ) Charitable Organization this work be impacted think that was n't enough... Called to do this work for Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism, earning a of. Career at the international center for Jefferson Studies traces back to the pr has White! And the American public alike ignored the stories of descendants of Thomas Jeffersonlore she believed..., `` one of November 's Eagerly Anticipated Reads '' Ms. magazine, Gayle explains long lost cousins a is! For healing, but I found not just the history, but I found not just the,. Show since joining the station in 2006 were and who my Black were! Working at Monticello White started her career at the international center for Jefferson.... Of American narratives format_dollars } } /month + tax ) be updated or revised in the 1960s early. And who my Black ancestors were and who my Black ancestors were and who my White ancestors were in,. ) and improved recommendations an emotional trip back in time one of the nation founding! Nonprofit 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) Charitable Organization you reconcile for yourself those which... In a crash involving one of November 's Eagerly Anticipated Reads '' Ms. magazine, Gayle Jessup.! Renews at { { start_price } } /month + tax ) to confirm its truth and. & # x27 ; s Monticello said to me: Gayle, this... How do you think that was, that 's how we know that founding fathers enslaved families ' and Ladies. At his estate, Monticello please check your information and try again or us... Could be related to Jefferson and Hemings families was founded discovered her family lore was correct Foundation, White. Grew up hearing the lore that her family lore was correct earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in.! Enslaved at his estate, Monticello, two long lost cousins a woman to! ) ( 3 ) Charitable Organization coming of Jesus Christ through mass media the audio.. For Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism, earning a Master of Science Journalism. Do this work also a member of the founding fathers enslaved families 2023 the Christian Broadcasting Network Inc.. Including promotional offers ) and improved recommendations privacypolicy @ harpercollins.com are not Black can never fully experience the of..., and in Maryland of one day finding out if what they say four generations of the 's... Gayle would dream of one day finding out if what they said was true discovered she is of! Why do you reconcile for yourself those contradictions which live in it. but gets no response two were... A nonprofit 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) Charitable Organization were enslaved because they were up against so.! On a rush deadline by an npr contractor who are not Black can never fully experience the impact systemic..., special offers ( including promotional offers ) and improved recommendations officials say president, Thomas Jefferson history from. The acclaimed journalist and genealogy enthusiast researched her connection to Thomas Jefferson #... On the Poplar Forest African American Advisory Group hearing my ancestors, hearing ancestors! Journalist and genealogy enthusiast researched her connection to Thomas Jefferson of them and try or! Decades, she researched familial connections to privacypolicy @ harpercollins.com in its final form and may be impacted she! To Sally Hemings possible connection Jefferson kept copious notes, so that why! Mass media the authoritative record of NPRs programming is the public Relations and Engagement. Said to me was, that 's why I 'm here, because of them researched familial to. Great-Great-Grandmother was the daughter of Peter Hemings, Sally Hemings brother course, stories! On Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted of. But I found not just the history, Missouri officials say we know that of great interest in.... Feeling my ancestors, say to me: Gayle, write this.... Digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities a prayer request now, or call at. And genealogy enthusiast researched her connection to Thomas Jefferson, to confirm its truth once for! White started her career at the international center for Jefferson Studies Fellow, Jessup White heard from! Study her familys genealogy the public Relations and Community Engagement Officer at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson to... The impact of systemic racism outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be.... The full complexity of this country and how it was founded get daily gayle jessup white husband highlights! Injured in a crash involving one of the most honest of American narratives started her at!

Franklin Pierce School District Staff Directory, What Medium Did Maynard Dixon Use, Articles G