The First Fugitive Slave Narrative with Regina E. Mason




Research at the National Archives&Beyond show

Summary: RECLAIMING GRIMES: THE FIRST FUGITIVE SLAVE NARRATIVE WITH REGINA E. MASON! Join Regina E. Mason the great great great granddaugther of William Grimes for a moving discussion of her research and discovery of the first fugitive slave narrative. Oakland, California native, REGINA E. MASON, has spent fifteen years authenticating the pioneering narrative of her direct ancestor William Grimes—author of the first fugitive slave narrative in American history. Not only is she the gate-keeper of her family’s history, she is also coeditor of the new edition of her forefather’s book Life of William Grimes, the Runaway Slave.  In recognition of her work, the San Francisco African American Historical and Cultural Society presented her the 2009 Herndon Lecturer award. She is currently working on the documentary Gina’s Journey: The Search for William Grimes.