Episode Details

We don’t know the faces or names of many enslaved Black people in American history. Some left a small mark of their existence in the very bricks of the buildings their hands built, yet they remain voiceless because their story has been hidden away.

Historians like Annette Gordon-Reed know that through sharing the stories of enslaved people, we remember their humanity and preserve historical truth in the process. She’s a Harvard University professor and the award-winning author of The Hemingses of Monticello and On Juneteenth. With her lawyer-like approach, she’s brought light to stories once expunged from our history and provided a view of the road to Juneteenth through her books.

In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll hear about the national implications inherent in The Hemingses’ story (and connection to Thomas Jefferson) and Juneteenth. Annette will discuss her own experiences with celebrating Juneteenth, what the country should learn from the experiences of enslaved people, and more!

2:15 - Annette’s personal branding definition, three-word description of herself, favorite quotes, and hype song

4:30 - The importance of reading and music in Annette’s life as a child

6:31 - Annette’s non-traditional career trajectory as a lawyer, author, and professor

10:09 - What motivated Annette to write about the Hemingses and Thomas Jefferson

15:43 - The need to understand the truth in shaping the legacies and personal brands we hold dear

18:28 - The significance of Juneteenth and why Annette wrote her book on it

24:57 - Traditional Juneteenth celebrations Annette grew up with in Texas and newer ones she’s seen integrated into the holiday

29:29 - The good and (potential) bad about Juneteenth and its importance in the context of American history

36:37 - How Annette wants people in the future to remember her contribution to preserving a piece of American history

38:31 - Finding fun and continuous growth in humbling activities

42:27 - Annette’s one uncompromisable aspect and Branding Room Only quality

Connect With Annette Gordon-Reed

Annette Gordon-Reed grew up in Texas and went to Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School. Annette practiced law for seven years and then went into academia as a law professor. Her first book, Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy, was published in 1997. In 1998, DNA corroborated the thesis of Annette’s book. Since then, she has written and edited 6 other books, including Vernon Can Read, A memoir with Vernon Jordan and, most recently, On Juneteenth.

The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family by Annette Gordon-Reed

On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed

Vernon Can Read!: A Memoir

Mentioned In Truth and Celebration: Stories of Black American History with Annette Gordon-Reed

“This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan | YouTube (Official Music Video) 

“Scherzo Op. 39 No. 3 in C Sharp Minor” by Chopin | YouTube (Pogorelich)

PaulaTV: Stagville Plantation Fingerprints of Slave Children

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