Synopsis

Thomas Jefferson’s legacy is complex, shadowed by the enduring questions surrounding his relationship with Sally Hemings. In a new examination, Shelby Steele and Tom Lennon delve into this controversial aspect of his life, piecing together what little historical record remains. They explore the far-reaching consequences of this relationship for its descendants, many of whom continue to navigate the complexities of America’s racial history. As Steele observes, Jefferson “spawned two lines of