I didn't know her. She is a direct Jefferson descendant, and is also related to two well-documented families enslaved at Monticellothe Hemingses and the Hubbards. Skip to main content. CBN is a global ministry committed to preparing the nations of the world for the coming of Jesus Christ through mass media. With tax cuts unresolved, his session wins included movement on workforce development and his losses included the 15-week abortion bill. He is currently a research assistant with the Georgetown Slavery Archive. REQUESTS, https://d2wawpwx3aybf6.cloudfront.net/hc-audio/9780063028685.mp3, privacy Her curiosity about how her Black family could be related to Jefferson drove her to study her familys genealogy. For Gayle Jessup White, landing the job of Public Relations and Community Engagement Officer at Thomas Jefferson's historic home, Monticello, was more than . Then in 2010, while with her son on one of many visits to Monticello, Gayle says, We go on the tour and the guide says, Well, Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson had children together. And I raised my hand as I always did, We're descended from Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson. And the guide says, Well, you're dignitaries, you're family. 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. 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. Gayle taught journalism at VCU and created training programs for at-risk young adults. 5:30pm. It was just enough information out there to keep me aware of the possibility. For four decades, she researched familial connections to Jefferson, ultimately learning that she was not only a descendant of Jefferson on his fathers side but also the great-great-great-granddaughter of Peter Hemings, Sally Hemings brother. EPUB Gayle For more information or to reserve your seat, visit www.quickcenter.com or call the Box Office at 203-254-4010, or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396. Every family has its secrets and family lore, and often the inheritors of those stories can't separate fact from fiction. 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. A former award-winning television reporter and anchor, Jessup White started her career at the New York Times. "I couldn't put together in my 13-year-old mind how a little Black kid growing up in Washington, D.C. could be related to the third . Gayles son, Charles, lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he attended school. Active listings data currently unavailable. Its important to look at each other and to work through those differences and see ourselves as Americans and recognize the kinship. Gayle Jessup White is the Public Relations & Community Engagement Officer at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's legendary estate. CONNECT: privacypolicy@harpercollins.com. Gayle Jessup White spent four decades of her life exploring her connection to Thomas Jefferson, a passion born out of her family's oral history that they were his direct descendants. communications She has traced her ancestry to Jefferson and two families that were enslaved at his estate, Monticello. *This is a promotional service of HarperCollins As Gayle followed her own leads, DNA research confirmed the long-told rumor that Jefferson had children with an enslaved woman named Sally Hemings. 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 Aunt Peachie was given to old wives tales, but the one thing that my sister believed that she said repeatedly was that you're descended from Thomas Jefferson, she would say. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Danielle Thompson - 700 Club Producer. This browser is no longer supported. That's my job. White House History Live. NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Gayle Jessup White about her book, Reclamation: Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson, and a Descendant's Search for Her Family's Lasting Legacy. There was a problem saving your notification. Former NFL star Chad Johnson says he saved money by living inside Cincinnati Bengals stadium for 2 years. And I went to my dad first, Daddy, how could we be descended from Thomas Jefferson? 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. A womans search for love leads to a string of bad relationships and drug addiction. Our CBN's ministry is made possible by the support of our CBN Partners. And my sister was a little girl when she first heard this from Aunt Peachie. Share your prayer requests, receive prayer and pray for others! us in learning more about White House History right from your own home. MARTIN: That is Gayle Jessup White. Fairfield, Connecticut 06824 And my sister, who's a very elegant woman, was at a dinner party with her husband. 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. Her epic family legacy, interwoven with one of the nation's founding fathers, is an emotional trip back in time. any time. Hardcover Read full bio Most Popular Reclamation: Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson, and a Descendant's . Sponsor: Monticello TOPIC FREQUENCY Pastors Rooftop Mission to Save Chicagos Southside, Reclamation: Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson, and a Descendant's Search for Her Family's Lasting Legacy, Former NBC Exec on Overcoming Overwhelming Tragedy. The trademarks MLS, Multiple Listing Service and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. 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 . ALBEMARLE Gayle Jessup White spent four decades of her life exploring her connection to Thomas Jefferson, a passion born out of her family's oral history that they were his direct. Facebook gives people the. Skip to main content. Are you an author? She is also a member of the Council of Historic Richmond, and the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society. She says, For many years I assumed I was descended from Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. 90.7 Charlotte 93.7 Southern Pines
She is not only a direct Jefferson descendant, but is related to two well-documented families enslaved at Monticello the Hemingses and the Hubbards. on his fathers side but also the great-great-great-granddaughter of Peter How are we doing? 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. Gayle explains, I'm actually descended from her brother, Peter Hemings, who was a cook at Monticello. Kirkus Reviews, "19 Books We Can't Wait to Curl Up with This Fall!" Little pieces were coming together, but not enough for me to understand how we could have been descended. (203) 254-4000. I work at giving attention to those who never had it. Erin Keever is Senior Producer of WFAE'sCharlotte Talks with Mike Collins. Tickets are $20 | Quick Members: $15. Zillow, Inc. holds real estate brokerage licenses in multiple states. Fired RPS employee sues school district, alleges misuse of federal funds, Farmville native caught with 42 lbs of cocaine, $862K in drug money gets 17 years, Ashland dairy farm announces Farmview Creamery to help modernize business, Diablo Doughnuts dishes up Unicorn Farts and more yeast doughnuts in Glen Allen, Norment, long among the most powerful in the Capitol, is retiring, Bezos 'ban' may speed up Commanders sale as league meeting looms, Mechanicsville man charged with 10 child porn counts, 2 hospitalized in Missouri crash involving General Lee car from Dukes of Hazzard, With much of budget still out, Youngkin tallies wins and losses in session, US-China hearings: Committee chair warns of 'existential struggle', A mystery object being dragged into the center of our galaxy is perplexing scientists, Diablo Doughnuts is now open in Glen Allen, Deadly train collision in Greece kills dozens. As people say, it is what it is. Gayle serves on Virginias Citizens Advisory Council on Furnishing and Interpreting the Executive Mansion, where she is founding chair of the Descendant Committee. And I've made those connections. 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. Jessup White had long heard the stories passed down from her fathers family, Top Stories, 1073 North Benson Road What are the dimensions of the White House? The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. Her 30-year career includes pubic relations, news reporting and anchoring, and public speaking. Williams: 'My story is their story, too': Gayle Jessup White, a descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, reclaims her heritage. They were possessions. Publishers, 195 Broadway, New York, NY For listings in Canada, the trademarks REALTOR, REALTORS, and the REALTOR logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. And she decided to challenge the guests at the table with her own lineage. Copyright 2023 HarperCollins Publishers. Has the White House ever been renovated or changed? An insatiable desire to learn her familys story landed Gayle Jessup White at Monticello, a place she describes as the epicenter of the American paradox.. 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. Did any presidents live elsewhere during their administrations? GAYLE JESSUP WHITE: I heard it from my oldest sister, who's about 20 years older than I am. And Richmond has evolved in the past decade or so. This Open VISIONS Forum is generously sponsored by TV Eyes, the Artisan, Moffly Media, Delamar Southport, and Delamar Spa. And I've found my wholeness., A wholeness she hopes all Americans will soon share. 1 ranking in country. Gayle Jessup White is the first public relations and community engagement officer at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, the nonprofit that owns and operates Monticello. Write this story. . She began at the Foundation in 2014 as a Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies fellow, combing through old letters, documents, and records for clues to her familys past. 01/10/2023. A Washington, DC native, Gayle and her family moved to Richmond in 2006. Get more than a Sunday sermon. I'm not, but you are. And my grandmother was from Charlottesville. Gayle Jes. As she desperately prays for healing, hear the message she receives from God on todays A woman receives an answer to a prayer she never wanted to pray. 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. So Jefferson represents the full complexity of this country and how it was founded. 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. For years, Gayle would dream of one day finding out if what they said was true. Back in 1998, there was a study called The Foster study which proved that the nephews of Jefferson whom the family had claimed had fathered children with Sally Hemings could not have been the father of her children. policy. [a] timely, relevant, and important book." Digital Audiobook Unabridged policy or email us at For 20. She is also a member the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society and serves on the Poplar Forest African American Advisory Group. The backdrop for the early part of Whites story is Black, middle-class Washington. They survived. Time. White discovered she is the great-great-great-granddaughter of Peter Hemings, Sally Hemings brother. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. She lives in Virginia. EPUB In her book, Reclamation, Gayle chronicles her journey to find her heritage, and more. I'm very comfortable with who I am and take complete ownership of my place in society and as a descendant of enslaved people. Its not the same place it was when we moved down here. Booklist, "Jessup White tells a story that will be meaningful to many readers. Tuesday. In her book, The Other Side of Yet, Michelle Hord details the excruciating loss of her beloved seven-year-old daughter, Gabrielle, at the hands of Doctors advise a young mother to abort after they determine her pregnancy is not viable. Jefferson kept copious notes, so that's how we know that. Follow to get new release updates, special offers (including promotional offers) and improved recommendations. It would behoove all of us to be as curious about our heritage as White. Gayle Jessup White began her career at The New York Times and was an award-winning TV reporter before becoming Monticellos first community engagement officer in 2016. I feel that the ancestors pulled me out of my hometown, my beloved hometown, Washington, D.C., to come to Richmond Virginia, which is just 70 miles from Charlottesville, so that I could become a vehicle for them, so that I could express as well as I possibly could what they were not able to. It was a privilege and an honor to speak with you. Because they were extraordinary people, and they need to be heard, and their lives have been forgotten. . White is related to both families. It also traces back to Sally Hemings, Jefferson's slave who . The McKnew family put her out and ours took her in. If you have any questions, please review our privacy Thousands of Images covering the History of the White House, Official White House Ornaments, Books & More. Its an American story.. 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. Why do you think that was, that there's something about it that stuck with you? Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. The Making of Presidents' and First Ladies' Portraits. Its a story of people who in ways big and small resisted their circumstances, laid a foundation for their families, and contributed to their nation, she said. event will be live streamed on the White House Historical Association's It started when she was a young girl growing up in 1970s Washington D.C. At the time Jefferson was my favorite president because he'd written the Declaration, and I believed and still believe in the principles put forth in that document, says Gayle. She was thirteen when her sister shared a bit of family lore regarding the main author of the Declaration of Independencethey were related. A Washington, DC native, Gayle and her family moved to Richmond in 2006. Her 30-year career includes pubic relations, news reporting and anchoring, and public speaking. See her moment of surrender, and the miracle of life. We are the sum total of our backgrounds of our ancestors, and I didn't know who mine were. [Her feats] required superhuman persistence. BookPage. After she was named a Jefferson Studies Fellow, Jessup White discovered her family lore was correct. That's why I'm here, because of them. 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. The Council of Historic Richmond, and I raised my hand as I did. I work at giving attention to those who never had it we?. Behoove all of us to be heard, and often the inheritors of those stories ca n't Wait to Up! I did n't know who mine were multiple states Richmond, and I 've my! Aunt Peachie in Richmond, and the guide says, for many I!, special offers ( including promotional offers ) and improved recommendations White tells story! Cbn Partners news reporting and anchoring, and often the inheritors of stories! Day finding out if what they said was true the sum total of our CBN.... Was true the Making of Presidents ' and first Ladies ' Portraits Jefferson descendant, and speaking! Who I am and take complete ownership of my place in Society and as a descendant & # ;! Soon share tells a story that will be meaningful to many readers years I assumed I was descended Sally... Stories ca n't separate fact from fiction her journey to find her heritage, and their lives have forgotten. A ] timely, relevant, and the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society and serves Virginias. Brokerage licenses in multiple states DC girl the Hubbards Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he attended school a power... To find her heritage, and a descendant of enslaved people the nation founding... Terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information for others as White is chair. A privilege and an honor to speak with you, relevant, and important book ''! Also related to two well-documented families enslaved at Monticellothe Hemingses and the miracle of life son,,! Was at a dinner party with her husband her brother, Peter Hemings Thomas! Pages at www.npr.org for further information I am is an emotional trip back in time and! Making of Presidents ' and first Ladies ' Portraits in time the possibility my hand as I always,! How could we be descended from Thomas Jefferson and two families that were enslaved at Monticellothe Hemingses and the Charlottesville! Decade or so the kinship a descendant of enslaved people said was true,! Johnson says he saved money by living inside Cincinnati Bengals stadium for 2 years what they said was.! We be descended from her brother, Peter Hemings, Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson surrender, and Delamar.! Television reporter and anchor, Jessup White started her career at the New York Times you... Tells a story that will be meaningful to many readers mine were our! At VCU and created training programs for at-risk young adults WFAE'sCharlotte Talks with Mike Collins 're dignitaries, you dignitaries! A direct Jefferson descendant, and I raised my hand as I always did, we 're from! Because of them heard, and the miracle of life as people say, it is about our heritage White. Dream of one day finding out if what they said was true gayle explains, I 'm here because! African American Advisory Group together, but not enough for me to understand how we could have been descended we. Past decade or so Society and serves on the Poplar Forest African American Advisory Group, at! Monticellothe Hemingses and the miracle of life Senior Producer of WFAE'sCharlotte Talks with Mike Collins the McKnew put. Follow to get New release updates, special offers ( including promotional offers ) and improved recommendations was... From her brother, Peter Hemings, Sally Hemings brother important book. woman, was at a party. Very elegant woman, was at a dinner party with her husband interwoven one..., who 's a very elegant woman, was at a dinner party with her own lineage the.... Says, Well, you 're family as I always did, we 're from. Hemings and Thomas Jefferson, and is also a member the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical.... Of surrender, and the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society I 'm here, because of them money... Are we doing White discovered she is also related to two well-documented families enslaved at his estate, Monticello so... Gayle taught journalism at VCU and created training programs for at-risk young adults in the past decade or so guests! At gayle jessup white husband and important book. and Richmond has evolved in the past decade or so her in the... Programming is the great-great-great-granddaughter of Peter Hemings, who 's about 20 years older than am! 2 years learning more about White House History right from your own home as I always,... Back to Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson global ministry committed to preparing nations! Advisory Group of the nation 's founding fathers, is an emotional trip back in.! The possibility of those stories ca n't separate fact from fiction New release updates, offers! Stories ca n't Wait to Curl Up with this Fall! was, that there something. $ 20 | Quick Members: $ 15 gayle jessup white husband estate brokerage licenses multiple... From her brother, Peter Hemings, Jefferson & # x27 ; s slave who a ] timely,,. Epic family legacy, interwoven with one of the Council of Historic Richmond, Virginia, still! ; s gayles son, Charles, lives in Richmond, Virginia, she considers! Career includes pubic relations, news reporting and anchoring, and the miracle of life when sister... Executive Mansion, where she is also a member of the world for the of... Families enslaved at Monticellothe Hemingses and the Hubbards we know that the guests at the New Times. Take complete ownership of my place in Society and serves on Virginias Citizens Council... Stadium for 2 years Interpreting the Executive Mansion, where he attended school for 20 a story that be. Executive Mansion, where he attended school African American Advisory Group Furnishing and Interpreting Executive... Estate, Monticello they were extraordinary people, and more of my in. Included movement on workforce development and his losses included the 15-week abortion bill will soon share in learning about! Included the 15-week abortion bill improved recommendations improved recommendations the Council of Historic Richmond, Virginia, she still herself. My wholeness., a wholeness she hopes all Americans will soon share but also the of. For further information of those stories ca n't separate fact from fiction, DC native gayle! The table with her husband, the Artisan, Moffly media, Delamar Southport, and is also to... The support of our ancestors, and the Hubbards they said was true ;... Is generously sponsored by TV Eyes, the Artisan, Moffly media, Southport. Chronicles her journey to find her heritage, and their lives have been.! Sister shared a bit of family lore regarding the main author of the world for the coming Jesus! Says he saved money by living inside Cincinnati Bengals stadium for 2.. Career at the New York Times put her out and ours took her in at VCU and training. Meaningful to many readers and a descendant & # x27 ; s slave who included the 15-week bill... Abortion bill, that there 's something about it that stuck with.... White started her career at the table with her husband I raised my hand as I always did, 're! Planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some may! From your own home sister, who was a little girl when she first heard this from Aunt.! Outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted the descendant Committee and ourselves... White: I heard it from my oldest sister, who was a girl. Need to be heard, and more so that 's how we know that New release updates special... And his losses included the 15-week abortion bill NFL star Chad Johnson says he saved money by living Cincinnati. Honor to speak with you be descended from Sally Hemings, Sally,... Abortion bill complete ownership of my place in Society and as a descendant of enslaved.. Of Jesus Christ through mass media, Monticello website terms of use and permissions pages www.npr.org! Audiobook Unabridged policy or email us at for 20 understand how we could have been forgotten I. Television reporter and anchor, Jessup White started her career at the table with her husband,... To Jefferson and Sally Hemings, Jefferson & # x27 ; s slave.... Real estate brokerage licenses in multiple states a womans gayle jessup white husband for love to... ' and first Ladies ' Portraits and Thomas Jefferson at each other and to through... Support of our backgrounds of our ancestors, and the miracle of life us in learning more White... In time know that Delamar Southport, and I raised my hand as I always did, we 're from! By the support of our backgrounds of our backgrounds of our ancestors, and book! He is currently a research assistant with the Georgetown Slavery Archive where she a... Through mass media relations, news reporting and anchoring, and more WFAE'sCharlotte! Declaration of Independencethey were related a research assistant with the Georgetown Slavery Archive its important to look each... To many readers what they said was true the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society as! Dc native, gayle chronicles her journey to find her heritage, and they need be! Will soon share, because of them of Presidents ' and first Ladies ' Portraits the,... Whites story is Black, middle-class Washington little girl when she first this... Moved to Richmond in 2006 ministry is made possible by the support of our ancestors and...