Unpacking Jefferson’s Troubling Love Story with Sally Hemings
The intricate and often disturbing relationship between Thomas Jefferson and enslaved woman Sally Hemings is the focus of a new documentary series, airing on the History Channel. The show boldly tackles the “unequal power relationship” between the third U.S. president and the 14-year-old Hemings, who was also his late wife’s half-sister, highlighting the profound disparities in status and autonomy that defined their bond.
While Jefferson became synonymous with the ideals of liberty, famously penning the Declaration of Independence, his life tells a far more complicated tale. He owned hundreds of enslaved people, and his writings in “Notes on the State of Virginia” (1785) reveal a troubling worldview in which he considered Black Americans inferior. The series aims to peel back the layers of Jefferson’s legacy, which has become increasingly scrutinized in recent years as more historians and scholars focus on the contradictions evident in his public versus private life.
The documentary documents key events, particularly during Jefferson’s time in Paris from 1784 to 1789, and how they influenced his relationship with Hemings. Historian Annette Gordon-Reed notes that after Jefferson insisted his daughter Maria join him, they sent a “careful Negro woman” to accompany her—enter a young Sally Hemings. This significant trip marked a turning point for Hemings, who transitioned from a life of enslavement in Virginia to navigating the complexities of life in Paris, where the law prohibited slavery. Yet strangely, Jefferson was keen to keep her status a secret.
As time passed in Paris, Hemings found herself not just acting as a caretaker but becoming a central figure in Jefferson’s world. By the time she was 16, Jefferson was buying her clothing and slowly shifting their relationship towards a more intimate dynamic. However, this transition raises substantial ethical questions about consent and power—it’s hard to ignore the uncomfortable implications surrounding a master having a sexual relationship with an enslaved young woman.
The documentary, airing every night through February 19, deftly weaves historical context, expert opinions, and narrative analysis that challenge viewers to grapple with the uncomfortable truths of America’s founding fathers. Moreover, the engagement with Hemings’ overlooked story is more crucial than ever, especially in light of recent conversations around race, power, and reproductive rights in contemporary America. Understanding this sordid chapter of history is essential not just for historical accuracy but also for recognizing ongoing systemic issues rooted in the past.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, History Channel, The Washington Post, Smithsonian Magazine
