Black History Month Stories.
Today being President's Day, it's a perfect time to talk about a Black woman who suffered horribly under slavery but went on to become a friend to the first family.
Today's story is Elizabeth Keckley.
CW: the story contains discussion of physical and sexual violence.
Today being President's Day, it's a perfect time to talk about a Black woman who suffered horribly under slavery but went on to become a friend to the first family.
Today's story is Elizabeth Keckley.
CW: the story contains discussion of physical and sexual violence.
Comments
Keckley only learned about her parentage shortly before her mother's death.
They kept in touch via letter, which Keckley called "the most precious mementos of my existence... full of love, and always hoping" for a better future.
She grew up helping her mother repair and make clothing.
At 14, she was loaned to Burwell's son and his new wife, who viewed Elizabeth with open contempt.
At least four seperate times, he sent home with bleeding welts, until he finally developed a hint of conscience and stopped.
She then turned to Burwell, where she served his daughter and her new husband.
Keckley set out to buy freedom for herself and her son, but the owner refused.