Valerie Hughes Smith – Valerie Hughes Smith

by Valerie Hughes Smith

On public display since 2019. For reading only.

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be used or reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever. If anyone has used and/or reproduced any discovery and/or work by Valerie Hughes Smith, it is done so without the her permission; Valerie has the exclusive rights to each. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

Note from the author: Welcome aboard!

**** Original work titled FAMILY written in ©2017 by Valerie Hughes Smith about her maternal great-great grandmother Isabella Gibbons is the first documentation to ever connect Isabella as a close relative of Thomas Jefferson (TJ) and Thomas Jefferson Randolph (TJR). Valerie later titled excerpts of her work: IN MY OPINION. Official title of upcoming book: FAMILY, coming … ****

**** Valerie’s discovery is purely based on her grandparents & parents words, her finding original documents, her putting words together like a puzzle and then figuring it all out. Therefore, it is a new discovery solely credited to Valerie Hughes Smith. ****

The following excerpts are mostly about my great-great grandmother. This is the first documentation on public display (soon to be published) about my historical discovery connecting Isabella, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Jefferson Randolph as close relatives.

INTRODUCTION

I was just a little girl when my maternal grandparents & parents first told me: “Thomas Jefferson is a close relative.” My family’s words, spoken so pure & simple, has always been enough for me to know that it is true. The family connection, however, was purposefully left out. That is—until now …

My parents always talked about our family history. I’ve been researching since 2007, just to get more details; some of our history is well-documented. In 2017, I focused my research more on Thomas Jefferson, an American Founding Father, principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), 3rd President of the United States, founder of the University of Virginia … Within a month, I figured out one way we are related. See, my grandparents & parents said we’re related to him in more ways than one, my discovery is just one way.

In 2017, I was reading articles about my maternal great-great grandparents William & Isabella Gibbons (Gibbins). Both were enslaved in Charlottesville, Virginia. I also read a two page article that my sister shared with me. It was written by Gayle M. Schulman, a historian who knew of my mother and her sister, my aunt. I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely historian in 2015. My sister (who at some point was in touch with her) introduced us during a momentous occasion in honor of my great-great grandparents … During the speech, family was asked to stand, and we did. My sister and I had the honor of participating during the ceremony. This was a beautiful moment in time; it is truly an honor for our family. By the way, the Isabella Gibbons Local History and Digital Humanities Center (IGLHDHC), located in the historic Jefferson School City Center, has wonderful information. Anyway, the two page article I am referring to is mostly about John H. Craven (JHC). After reading it, I learned that my great-great grandfather William, who was a minister, had a brother named Edward, and their mother’s name, Mary. Not only that, I learned William and Edward’s birth surname. It’s a small town, you know. More in my FAMILY book …

I am in search of the truth. I want to know more, so I searched for the entire article. Meantime, I read a few letters between Thomas Jefferson and John H. Craven, very interesting. Anyway, as I continued to search, I discovered that the same historian had written articles in: The Magazine Of Albemarle County History, Volume 55, 1997, so I purchased a copy from Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society. Once it arrived, I started reading it that same day. I found articles and documents by other historians as well, and they all had wonderful information, but after rejecting certain opinions, interpretations, and views by the historians, I realized and accepted my own. All the while, I continued to research, which included searching for microfilm and searching WorldCat(dot)org. I even found original work! Still, no mention of the connection. Nevertheless, once I found what I was looking for, I read the fine print as well as continued searching for the completion of certain incomplete sentences that ended with et cetera (etc.) or an ellipsis (. . .).

Wow, from what my grandparents & parents told me, and through my intense research, I have made a new discovery.

Where Are You From?

I love my family! We are rich in heart, integrity, and family pride. I only want to share a hint of history just to introduce myself.

Patriotism

At an early age, I would join my classmates and teachers at the start of the school day with right hand over heart as we recite the Pledge of Allegiance: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Back in the day, some folks who met me for the first time asked:

Where are you from?

Me: D.C.

Nowadays, some might add:

What I mean is, where were you born?

Me: DC—Washington, D.C.

My mother and generations of my maternal grandparents were born in Virginia. My father and generations of my paternal grandparents were born in Maryland. I was born in Washington, District of Columbia, the United States Capital.

My family served in the military.

EXCERPTS

My mother: businesswoman, music producer/promotor, fabulous dancer, choreographer … She studied modern dance and personally trained in New York City with legendary choreographer Martha Graham. My mother’s extraordinary talent landed her in many performances, including the Broadway play Shuffle Along. Her talent combined with her vibrant personality, dazzling smile, and beauty inside & out would light up the room! My father: brilliant physician, brilliant diagnostician, owner & breeder of thoroughbred horses … Sometimes when my sisters and I met folks, maybe a classmates’ parents or someone at the mall, they’d say: “Your father is my doctor …” This happened often. Maternal grandparents: My grandmother: musically gifted in piano, a great tennis player, bridge player, first campus queen of the university she attended … My grandfather: talented musician, heir to his father’s funeral business … My great-grandfather founded the business during the 1800s; the historic enterprise was one of the oldest and most substantial Black-owned businesses in Virginia; some say the Country … Paternal grandparents: My grandmother: educator, known for her many social graces that included providing food for the homeless as well as work … My grandfather: brilliant physician and surgeon; he opened his own hospital … More in my FAMILY book!

My maternal side & paternal side both have roots that run deep in America. Both sides also have a multiracial heritage. I grew up listening to my grandparents & parents talk about our ancestors, including those with American Indian/Native American ancestry: the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas, African ancestry, European ancestry … My mother put it this way: “We are Black, European, Welsh, Irish, English, Cherokee Indian, Mohawk Indian …” She also talked about a relative being an Indian Chief. Family talked about the Colonial Era. Family talked about Quaker ancestry. Family learned that we have ancestors from six continents; listed in order from the largest in land area to the smallest: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, and Australia. hello, Antarctica! I am an American. I am an American woman with deep roots in the United States of America; my roots extends back centuries before the founding of the Country. Yes, and I am proud to embrace the beauty of having ancestors from all around the world!

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Thomas Jefferson

Yes, my family told me: “Thomas Jefferson is a close relative.” My mother said: “Baby, we’re direct descendants of Thomas Jefferson …” Yes, we are. Thomas Jefferson is my fifth great-grandfather.

Chattel Slavery

Historically, some of my ancestors were referred to as American Indian, Mulatto, Octoroon, Colored, Person of Color, Negro, Free Negro, Black, Free Black, Caucasian, White, Pass for White … Yes, I have a distinct lineage in this Country. I am an American who is a direct descendant of African ancestors who on both sides of my family were forcibly taken to the shores of America and enslaved in America starting from the 17th century. Yes, and I am also a direct descendant of ancestors who were enslavers. Knowing that my family had endured heartache and pain due to slavery is personal, it touches me to the core—it hurts. Slavery was the worst. Slavery should have never happened. It should have been eliminated before it was ever created. It’s the 21st Century now and still, the history of slavery and all of its appalling cruelties has not been properly addressed. Of course this history can never be rewritten or erased—it’s part of America’s history. So, let’s see… Justice is overdue. Still no forty acres and a mule. Do the right thing. Redress.

Ultimately, we are all God’s children. All of God’s children should be treated with respect, dignity, equality …

Oh, Freedom

The Statue of Liberty, also known as Lady Liberty, was inspired in 1865, after the Civil War, by Edouard de Laboulaye and other French abolitionists who wanted to commemorate the abolition of slavery in America. In 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor and unveiled in 1886. Its location is now known as Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Originally, the broken chain & shackle, symbolically broken by Liberty, was designed to be in Lady Liberty’s left hand. Later, the broken chain & shackle was designed to lie at the Statue of Liberty’s right foot and remains there today. The Torch held in her right hand represents light & enlightenment being necessary for Freedom. Yes, the Statue of Liberty is a precious gift, celebrating the end of slavery.

Immigrants

Years later, in 1903, a plague with the poem by Emma Lazarus was placed on Lady Liberty’s pedestal titled: “The New Colossus.” It’s viewed as a warm welcoming to immigrants who have migrated to the United States. It reads in part: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free …”

Personally, I come from a family who doesn’t care about who you are, where you’re from, what you have, when you’ve arrived … as long as you have a good heart, you are always welcome!

It’s about Respect

Everyone in America is an Immigrant—that is, unless you are Native American or you are an American descendant of African ancestors who were enslaved and forcibly taken to the shores of America starting from the 17th century. This fact is acknowledged. It’s about Respect

Some American descendants of the enslaved self-identify as Black, African American, or whatever way each descendant chooses.

Whatever way one chooses to self-identify, be true to yourself.

I embrace all of my ancestors and ancestry. Growing up, I self-identified as Black, and I still do. I also self-identify as Native Black American, Native Colored American, Native Mixed-Race American, oh, and since everyone is beautiful in their own way, I’ll add Native Beauty American, or whatever way I choose. One thing is for sure, those like me who are descendants of the enslaved should have our unique identity/identities reserved just for us, even on government documents, and I mean where it is properly distinguished where no one can get it twisted. It’s about Respect.

All citizens of the United States of America are Americans. We the People. Perhaps this fact will inspire everyone to embrace one another’s lineage with Respect. Perhaps no one will feel that their history is being re-written or equally worse erased. Perhaps no one will ever feel left out again. How can there be a conversation about America without embracing the beauty of our diversity! Perhaps everyone will embrace one another with Love & Peace. I mean go back far enough and we’re all related … hello, fam! It’s just about Respect.

Oral History

Well, beautiful people, here is my discovery: Thomas Jefferson’s favorite grandson Thomas Jefferson Randolph is my third great-grandfather; he is my great-great grandmother Isabella’s father. I could not have figured out the connection without my grandparents & parents words, my belief in what they told me, finding original documents, and then putting words together like a puzzle.

I plan to release my FAMILY book which includes more information on my enlightening view of the relationship between Isabella and Thomas Jefferson Randolph (TJR). I also write about my enlightening view between my great-great grandmother and TJR’s dear old friend William Barton Rogers of Pennsylvania and his wife Emma Savage Rogers of Boston.

Thomas Jefferson Randolph became a member of the Board of Visitors at the University of Virginia; at some point, he served as Rector. William Barton Rogers was a Professor of Natural Philosophy and Geology at UVA; years later, he founded Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Okay everybody, let’s be clear, considering the time, my enlightening view of a few is based on wanting to believe that certain enslavers were anti-slavery and they wanted to do whatever they could to eliminate it as much as they could. But still …

Should you read my FAMILY book, perhaps you will understand and see why I view the connection between them and my great-great grandmother as enlightening. But still …

My husband was the first person I shared my discovery with. The next conversation was with sisters. One wanted to know the year TJR was born, and I told her. One thought my discovery was interesting. One just listened.

Side Note: When I shared my discovery in confidence with one of my sisters, she mentioned it to Gayle Schulman. When I spoke to the historian, she wanted to know more, so in 2018, I sent my document to her in confidence along with a note to please mail it back to me. Unbeknownst to me, my sister had picked it up from Gayle. Anyway, historian Dr. Lauranett Lorraine Lee also seemed interested, so in 2019, I mailed my document to her as well.

If any person, including historians, knew about the connection between Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph, and great-great grandmother Isabella, prior to my discovery, it would have surely been documented way before I did. But—it wasn’t. So now, the conversation begins …

If family doesn’t speak up about their oral history, and honor it—who will…

In 2020, my husband & I were planning on going to Charlottesville, Virginia for Descendants’ Day and the Dedication Ceremony for the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers. My great-great grandmothers’ words are inscribed inside the memorial and on the outside, there is an image of her eyes from a historic photo etched into the stone by New York artist Eto Otitigbe. Well, due to the global pandemic, understandably, the dedication ceremony was postponed.

Just a little more family history…

Parents: My parents were happily married for years! One day, they got a divorce; they always remained dear friends. My mother did not want to date anyone, that is … until she met a wonderful gentleman named Elzie, and one day, they got married; my father remarried a wonderful lady named Michele.

In addition to their other businesses, my mother and stepfather were also impresarios. For decades, my family produced & promoted some of the most legendary music festivals, concerts, and shows of all-time, presenting world-class artists, including dear family friends! My stepfather, who knew the business like the back of his hand, taught my mother all about this side of the business, and together, they had numerous shows with an impressive lineup! it’s showtime, folks! Oh, the fun! By the way, the legendary “LAUREL POP FESTIVAL” was the brainchild of my family …

More about the shows in my books!

Maternal side: Two of William & Isabella’s children, my great-grandmother and great-aunt, were both Fisk Jubilee Singers. * At some point, Great-great grandfather William left Charlottesville for Washington, D.C. where during the 1800’s he attended Howard University; he was also the Pastor of Zion Baptist Church until he passed away in 1886. It’s reported that The Washington Post had a front-page article about my great-great grandfather’s funeral; about 10,000 mourners attended … * My great-great uncle Edward’s daughter Lula, married Jesse Scott Sammons, who’s the third great-grandson of Elizabeth (Betty) Hemings, matriarch of the Hemings family at Monticello.

Paternal side: My family has over a hundred year legacy with Howard University (HBCU); one hundred of those years has been documented—go Bison! * Hughes Stadium at Morgan State University (HBCU) has been named for my family since it officially opened in 1937—go Bears! My great-uncle, Bishop W.A.C. Hughes, introduced football to Morgan during the 1890s when he was a student there. My family also gave the team their first football uniforms as well as provided housing for any athlete who was in need. And for seventeen years, my grandfather, who was the athletic teams physician, provided medical care without charge. *