I love listening to podcasts while I work away. It helps break up the monotony of inputting data and I get to hear about all kinds of things I never,ever learned while in school.

One of my favorite podcasts is called The Nod, which is all things black. Black culture and history in a relevant and humorous way. Today, I realized I missed a few episodes so I found myself landing on one called “The Fugitive” originally aired on 12/3/18… and boy was I in for a treat.

This episode speaks about Ona, a slave of George Washington who in her late teens early 20s escapes to freedom. Her journey to freedom and to keep her freedom was anything short of impossible.

It really got me thinking about my own freedom and my own fears. And how have or if I have honored those who fought so hard and risked so much to do normal things. I chose who I married and how many children I bore and where I live…all things just a few generations ago were merely dreams. I honestly take it all for granted or let fear rob me of making new opportunities.

To think that Ona ran away from the president of the United States of America and refused to return… like outright said No. I aminspired.

I am adding the book Never Caught The Washington’s Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar to my reading list.

One goal this year-honor that spirit of determination.

What are some ways you will honor your ancestors this year?