What You Need to Know
• Philadelphia attorney Michael Coard is leading efforts to preserve the slavery memorial at the President’s House.
• Coard founded the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition in 2002 to memorialize nine enslaved individuals at George Washington’s home.
• A significant archaeological discovery in 2002 revealed the foundation of Washington’s Philadelphia residence, including slave quarters.
Philadelphia attorney Michael Coard is at the forefront of a national debate regarding the future of the slavery memorial at the President’s House in Philadelphia. As the Trump administration seeks to remove and replace the memorial, Coard reflects on his founding of the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition in 2002, which advocates for the recognition of the nine African men and women enslaved at the site of the nation’s first White House by President George Washington. The memorial’s future is uncertain as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary. Coard’s efforts were inspired by a significant archaeological discovery in 2002, which brought attention to the historical legacy of slavery and Washington’s involvement in it.
Why It Matters
The debate surrounding the slavery memorial at the President’s House highlights ongoing discussions about how American history is represented, particularly regarding slavery. The Avenging the Ancestors Coalition’s work emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the contributions and suffering of enslaved individuals in the nation’s founding. The archaeological findings from 2002, which uncovered the layout of Washington’s home and the names of enslaved individuals, serve as a crucial reminder of this overlooked aspect of American history. Understanding these historical contexts is essential as the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary.
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