Why No One Should Be Calling Sally Hemings Thomas Jefferson's Mistress

In historical texts, many people have referred to Sally Hemings, who was 14 years old when 44-year-old Thomas Jefferson began a sexual relationship with her as his "concubine" or "mistress." For instance, in 1802, James Callender wrote in a Virginia newspaper that Sally was Jefferson's "concubine," adding, "It is well-known." However, once you understand the nature of slavery, you will realize why this terminology aims to protect the character of the enslaver while manufacturing consent for sexual exploitation. As Britni Danielle wrote in the Washington Post, "Sally Hemings wasn't Thomas Jefferson's mistress. She was <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/sally-hemings-wasnt-thomas-jeffersons-mistress-she-was-his-property/2017/07/06/db5844d4-625d-11e7-8adc-fea80e32bf47_story.html" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">his property</a>." No love story genuinely starts with a man enslaving a woman, which is why no one should be referring to Sally Hemings as a "concubine" or "mistress." <a href="https://allyfromnola.medium.com/why-no-one-should-be-calling-sally-hemings-thomas-jeffersons-mistress-02156a81b60a">Website</a>