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"I am free, and I chose to remain so." ...Ona Judge

Ona Judge, Gone But Not Forgotten!

Oni Lasana IS Ona Judge

Experience a powerful living history come alive as Oni (oh-nee) brings to life Ona Judge.  

Learn abut the intriguing story of Ona's journey as an enslaved African American woman to President George and Martha Washington. 

Ona Judge, like General Washington and the colonial communities of the Revolutionary War, fought to be free. Washington from British Rule and Ona from human bondage. 


Ona's desire for personal free was 69 years before the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman and the end of the Civil War. 


The daughter of an enslaved African woman, Betty Davis and a European indentured servant to the Washington's, Andrew Judge. 

Her recorded birth name was Ona Maria Judge.

"Oney" Judge's name is listed on the monument at the Washington's home site in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and on a historical marker in Virginia. 


"Oney" was a childhood nickname. 


Ona Judge's daring escape from George Washington's household not only marked a pivotal moment in her life, but also served as a powerful statement against the horrific institution of slavery in America. 

Washington Plantation, Mt. Vernon, Virginia

Presidential Mansion, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Born in 1773 in the slave quarters on the Washington's Mt. Vernon plantation. 

 At the age of 10 she was sent up to the big house  to work as a personal servant to Martha Washington. 


Ona was 16 when the Washington's moved to New York City and later to Philadelphia. It was this move to the north where President George Washington became the first president of America.

Presidential Mansion, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Presidential Mansion, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

May 21, 1796 at the age of 23 Ona escaped from the Washington's Presidential Mansion on Market Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.


With the assistance of the free Black community Ona escaped on a ship called the Nancy, which carried her to a new life, liberty and pursuit of happiness in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 

The Washington's attempts to kidnap her and her child, back into slavery, twice, proved futile.

Oni tells Ona's story as she was interviewed by several newspapers in 1840.  

Today, President Washington's Memorial Site

Today, President Washington's Memorial Site

Today this memorial wall recognizes the enslaved African's who served the Washington's in what was the site of the Presidential Mansion in Philadelphia.

 Austin (Ona's Brother)

Paris

Hercules

Christopher Sheels 

Richmond

Giles 

Oney Judge

Moll

Joe

 

learn more & return here!

American History Tours in Philadelphia, PA

What Students Say...

 "Why did they not teach us about Ona Judge in high school?  Such an inspiring story."


"I never heard somebody tell a story like that before.  She was amazing, 

I loved it!"


Oni did a fantastic job portraying Ona Judge, I learned so much about her."


"Oni is a fantastic story teller, she kept the group engaged as they learned about the amazing story of Ona Judge."

American History Tours, LLC

Our mission is to make a difference one tour at a time. 

What makes us unique? 

As educator's we recognize the value of educational tours.  Our tours are top notch educational experiences that students will remember for a lifetime. 

Find out more

Special Thanks to Authors

  • 8A World Turned Upside Down by Louis P. Towles : The Palmers of South Santee, 1818-18. Dr. Joseph Palmer was Oni Lasana's paternal great-grandfather. 


  • Never Caught, The Washington's Relentless Pursuit of their Runaway Slave ONA JUDGE by Erica Armstrong Dunbar


  • An Imperfect God, Washington His Slaves by Henry Wiencek



WURD Radio Facebook Live Interview

Listen & watch Oni Lasana as Ona Judge interviewed by Nashid "Pop Pop Grow Sumtin'" Ali on Philly's Black Talk WURD.com Radio 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 23, 2025


Watch here

"Oni was very kind, friendly, and talked with the students after the story, getting to know them and answering any questions they had. I really appreciate the effort she put in giving our group a wonderful experience."


Glenn Fountain of American History Tours, LLC

Also watch this video: The Freedom Quest of Oney Judge

Bring American History To Life For Your Students!


Experience Oni Lasana as Ona Judge in person sharing the incredible journey of Ona Judge. A fearless woman who bravely escaped from George Washington's household, forging her own path to freedom. 

Her story is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fight for justice and freedom to this day. 

Reach out for a live or virtual experience of Ona Judge

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