Black Lives Teach Us To Hope
February 10, 2022 – Ona Judge
Shadra Strickland, Never Caught: The Story of Ona Judge
For this week, in honor of Black History Month, I’m sharing portraits of iconic and famous Black women whose lives have given me every reason to hope.
Peace & Blessings,
Marcie Alvis-Walker
INVOCATION
Spirit, move swiftly; speak freely.
ONA JUDGE: A HISTORY LESSON
Advertisement for the Capture of Oney Judge, Philadelphia Gazette (May 24, 1796)":
ABSCONDED from the household of the President of the United States, ONEY JUDGE, a light mulatto girl, much freckled, with very black eyes and bushy black hair, she is of middle stature, slender, and delicately formed about 20 years of age.
She has many changes of good clothes of all sorts, but they are not sufficiently recollected to be described—As there was no suspicion of her going off, nor no provocation to do so, it is not easy to conjecture whither she has gone, or fully, what her design is—but as she may attempt to escape by water, all masters of vessels are cautioned against admitting her into them, although it is probably she will attempt to pass for a free woman, and has, it is said, wherewithal to pay her passage.
Ten dollars will be paid to any person who will bring her home, if taken in the city, or on board any vessel in the harbour;—and a reasonable additional sum if apprehended and brought from a greater distance, and in proportion to that distance
ONA JUDGE: THE TRUTH IN HER OWN WORDS
“Mrs. Washington used to read prayers, but I don't call that praying…
“Whilst they were packing up to go to Virginia, I was packing to go, I didn't know where; for I knew that if I went back to Virginia, I should never get my liberty. I had friends among the colored people of Philadelphia, had my things carried there beforehand, and left Washington's house while they were eating dinner…
“Rather suffer death than return to Slavery & liable to be sold or given to any other person… I am free, and have, I trust been made a child of God by the means."
ARTIST STATEMENT: SHADRA STRICKLAND
Prior to working on the cover for Never Caught, The Story of Ona Judge,I had never heard of Ona Judge. I listened to the audiobook in order to hear the entire story before beginning sketches. Many times when I am assigned a cover, I get a brief that points to other book covers that handle similar subject matter along with samples of my own art that the art director has in mind for the job. In this case, they sent along one of my popular paintings, Lineage.
Ideas develop for me through research and through drawing. After a quick research trip down the road to Mount Vernon, I sent along a few ideas that I felt would make for an interesting cover for the book. My biggest challenge was to make a cover that focused on Ona instead of the Washingtons. Many of the initial ideas were of Ona running away from Mt. Vernon. But after a few rounds of those ideas, I played around with a simple profile and the Washingtons in a cameo. Once I finished that sketch, I knew I was on to something I’d be happy with!
BREATH PRAYER FOR FREEDOM
INHALE
I am…
EXHALE
A child of God.
BENEDICTION
Say Her Name: Ona Judge, Oney Judge, Never Caught, Oney Judge Staines – for she is worthy.
And you are worthy.
Selah
I appreciate this so much. I am wondering if the term, mullato, is still in use or is it considered a slur, etc.? My husband’s mother was Hispanic and I remember him speaking of the area where he grew up and the term was common. The artist’s rendition is so lovely. I also appreciate your prayers of breathe in and exhale. Thank you, Susan