About the Webinar

Thomas explores the enslaved families of Prince George’s County Maryland who filed lawsuits against their slaveowners, from Jesuit priests who founded Georgetown University, to other large plantation owners from 1887 to 1861.

​​​​​​​Many found freedom through these legal actions and were defended by unlikely lawyers to include Francis Scott Key. A relevant and timely story that reveals the healing power of justice that transcends from the past to the present day.  Thomas is the John and Catherine Angle Chair in the Humanities and Professor of History at the University of Nebraska. 

​​​​​​​This event is made possible by the generous support of Destination Southern Maryland (Southern Maryland Heritage Area) and the Maryland Heritage Area Authority.