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Mixed Race Descendants of Thomas Jefferson to
Speak at Oglethorpe
Atlanta – What happens when you realize that you have a
cousin of another race? "The Affairs of Race in America: A
Conversation in Black and White," featuring Shay Banks-Young and
Julia Jefferson, descendants of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings,
will be presented at Oglethorpe University's Lupton Auditorium on
Wednesday,
October 24 at 8 p.m.
Shay is black and Julia is white. Both families were always
confident that their great grandfathers were the offspring of Thomas
Jefferson and his slave, Sally Hemings, so neither was surprised to
hear this news that shocked many historians. Now, these two women
serve as a focal point for what they hope will be an honest new
dialogue on racial issues that continue to plague society. In this
unique presentation, the audience will have the opportunity to
listen in on their conversation, hearing these articulate women
discuss the many differences and similarities they share. Julia
Jefferson is a former educator turned business woman and her "new"
cousin, Shay Banks-Young, is a preventative health trainer and a
poet who has hosted her own public affairs talk show.
They have told their story on such programs as The Oprah Winfrey
Show, BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley, and Sally Jesse Raphael.
They've been interviewed by Time Magazine, US News and World Report
and People.
Admission is free. Presentation is Wednesday, October 24 at 8 p.m.
in Lupton Auditorium at Lupton Hall. Call (404) 364-8446 for
information.
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