Between Freedom and Equality: The History of an African American Family in Washington, DC

Between Freedom and Equality is an original history of six generations of an African American family living in Washington, DC, from 1793 to the early twentieth century. It follows the lives of Capt. George Pointer, an enslaved African who purchased his freedom in 1793, and his descendants as they lived and worked on the banks of the Potomac, in the port of Georgetown, and in a rural corner of the nation's capital. The book offers a moving and inspiring look at the challenges that free African Americans have faced in Washington, DC, since the district's founding.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2021
Publisher: Georgetown University Press

Between Freedom and Equality is a captivating historical narrative that delves into the lives of six generations of an African American family residing in Washington, DC. The story begins with the life of Capt. George Pointer, an enslaved African who, through his hard work and determination, purchased his freedom in 1793 while serving for George Washington's Potomac Company. The book follows the descendants of Pointer as they navigate their lives on the banks of the Potomac, in the bustling port of Georgetown, and in a rural corner of the nation's capital. By tracing the story of one family and their experiences, Between Freedom and Equality offers a poignant and inspiring exploration of the challenges faced by free African Americans in Washington, DC, since the district's founding.

The narrative unfolds through an 1829 letter from Pointer, which is preserved today in the National Archives. This letter served as the catalyst for authors Barbara Boyle Torrey and Clara Myrick Green to embark on a remarkable journey to uncover the truth about this remarkable man. What they discovered about the lives of Pointer and his family provides a unique insight into two centuries of Washington, DC, history.

The Pointer family faced numerous hardships throughout their existence, including the fragile nature of freedom in a slaveholding society, the pervasive racism that permeated society, wars, devastating floods, and epidemics that ravaged the city. However, their sanctuary was a small farm they purchased in what is now Chevy Chase. This farm provided them with a sense of stability and belonging, a place where they could raise their families and build a prosperous life.

However, in the early twentieth century, the DC government, driven by discriminatory policies, used eminent domain to force the sale of the Pointer family's farm. The land was replaced with an all-white school, a move that effectively erased the family's presence and history from the district. It was a devastating blow that left Pointer and his descendants feeling marginalized and forgotten.

Between Freedom and Equality seeks to rectify this injustice by granting Pointer and his descendants their rightful place in American history. The book includes a foreword by historian Maurice Jackson, who delves into the significance of the Pointer family's unique history in the capital. In a deeply personal foreword, James Fisher, an eighth-generation descendant of Pointer, shares his family's story and reflects on the importance of reclaiming their legacy.

Through their meticulous research and storytelling, Torrey and Green have created a masterpiece that sheds light on the experiences of African Americans in Washington, DC, during a critical period in history. Between Freedom and Equality is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, a story that reminds us of the importance of honoring and preserving our shared history.

In conclusion, Between Freedom and Equality is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, particularly the history of African Americans in Washington, DC. The book offers a poignant and inspiring exploration of the challenges faced by free African Americans and their unwavering pursuit of equality and freedom. Through the story of the Pointer family, it reminds us of the power of perseverance, resilience, and the human spirit to overcome adversity and shape the course of history.

Weight: 602g
Dimension: 248 x 173 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647120818