“Nothing else to do than to dispose of the family of Negroes.” Those words echo from the past. They offer a chilling glimpse into the history of institutions like Sisters Public School. Let’s step back in time and explore a complex chapter in its story.
Sisters Public School has a past intertwined with the Georgetown Visitation Convent. The convent played a significant role in the education and life of young women in Washington D.C. However, a darker secret lurks within its history.
In the 1800s, the nuns associated with Georgetown Visitation were believed to have allowed slaves to attend classes. They supposedly taught them to read. This gave the school an admirable reputation. But that wasn’t the whole story.
Dr. Susan Nalezyty, a school archivist, unearthed a different truth. The nuns did not teach enslaved children to read or write. Instead, they engaged in the buying and selling of slaves.
Economic pressures in the 1820s led the convent to make difficult decisions. Mother Agnes Brent, the superior, needed funds for a new chapel. Relatives offered slaves as a gift. This seemed like a boon.
However, the nuns saw an opportunity to alleviate their financial woes. They began selling enslaved people. This helped finance the chapel and expand the school. Records show they owned at least 107 enslaved individuals from 1800 to 1862.
Among those sold was a pregnant woman close to giving birth. The records included entries like “Prudence: In 1822, sold by the Convent (with her child) for $150.” These details paint a disturbing picture.
Caroline Handorf of Georgetown Visitation acknowledges this difficult history. She said that you can’t move forward unless you understand where you’re coming from. This understanding is crucial for institutions like Sisters Public School. They must grapple with their past.
Many religious orders were involved in the slave trade. Nuns contributed to the sale of slaves. This was often done to build schools and churches. The Sisters Public School and similar institutions must acknowledge this legacy.
Nearly all Catholic sisters’ orders established by the late 1820s owned slaves. Today, many Catholic sisters champion social justice. Churches have apologized for their roles in slavery. They are trying to make amends.
The story of Sisters Public School is a reminder of the complexities of history. It is a blend of education, faith, and the harsh realities of slavery. Recognizing this past is a step towards a more just future.