Ungrateful women don’t get enough credit. No one ever escaped slavery with an attitude of gratitude — not Harriet Tubman, not Sojourner Truth, and certainly not Ona Maria “Oney” Judge.

Two hundred twenty-five years ago, Oney had the nerve to liberate herself from the household of George Washington. Apparently ”the ingratitude of the girl — who was brought up & treated more like a child than a servant” was a bit offensive to the first president. It’s that kind of uppity-Negress thinking that deserves a series of collages.

Oh, but it gets better. George needs Oney recaptured quietly, to “deceive… the Public.” The henchman does catch up with her — but Oney won’t go unless George agrees to free her upon his death. Remember, Oney’s making this demand while the threat of re-enslavement hangs over her head.

It’s hilarious (225 years later) to read his outraged response: “it would neither be politic or just to reward unfaithfulness.” May we all aspire to such audacity. If you can’t be a good example — to other oppressed people — at least be a dire warning to your oppressor. Check back in with me for the final collage in the Oney Judge series.