Rachel L. Swarns
Rachel L. Swarns is an American journalist and author known for her work with The New York Times. She has written extensively on issues of race, immigration, and politics, and is also recognized for her books exploring African American history and genealogy.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The 272
The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church
In 1838, Catholic priests sold 272 enslaved individuals to support Georgetown University. "The 272" by Rachel L. Swarns delves into this historical event, focusing on the Mahoney family, whose lineage traces back to Ann Joice, a free Black woman turned indentured servant in the late 1600s. Her descendants, enslaved by Jesuit priests, carried the tale of her lost freedom through generations. The book highlights the family's struggles, including the sale of Harry Mahoney's children, Louisa and Anna, in 1838. While one daughter escaped, the other was sold to Louisiana, separating the family until modern journalism reunited them. This narrative sheds light on the Catholic Church's reliance on slavery for growth and the ongoing efforts for reparations and reconciliation.
The 10583rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon
