Democracy Matters - Episode 37: The Other Madisons: The Lost History of a President’s Black Family

“Always remember—you’re a Madison. You come from African slaves and a president.” Dr. Bettye Kearse joins us for a discussion about her new book, The Other Madisons: The Lost History of a President’s Black Family. Dr. Kearse is a descendent of the enslaved cook Coreen and her owner, and half-brother, President James Madison. In her book she writes the stories of her family preserved by eight generations of griottes and griots while confronting the abuses of slavery. She shares their inner strengths, their talents that contributed to American democracy, society and economy, and their perseverance through centuries of racism and discrimination.

Links in this episode:

• https://www.bettyekearse.com/