The Bequest of John T. Ward uncovers the forgotten legacy of a formerly enslaved man who became an Underground Railroad conductor and abolitionist. The word “bequest” carries weight. What did John T. Ward leave behind that felt most urgent to preserve?

What felt most urgent to preserve was not just what John T. Ward did, but what he proved. He left behind evidence that a formerly enslaved man could navigate legal systems, acquire land, fund institutions, advocate publicly, and move people toward freedom with intention and precision. His bequest is proof of lineage, continuity, and ownership, including the legacy of what is recognized as the oldest Black-owned business still in operation today. Preserving that truth matters because it challenges the false narrative that Black progress was rare, accidental, or undocumented. It was intentional, and it endured.

What aspects of his character stood out most to you while writing his bravery, his strategy, his compassion, or his vision?

What stood out most was his strategy. Bravery is often highlighted in abolitionist narratives, but strategy is what sustained survival. John T. Ward understood timing, geography, alliances, and the power of paperwork. He knew when to move quietly and when to speak publicly. His compassion fueled his work, but his vision ensured its longevity. He wasn’t reacting to oppression; he was planning beyond it.

How did uncovering your family’s history change the way you understand inheritance, beyond land or property?

It changed inheritance from something purely material into something instructional. I inherited methods for documenting, challenging power, and protecting legacy when systems are hostile. I inherited the understanding that survival itself can be a skill passed down. This history taught me that inheritance can be knowledge, foresight, and responsibility. What was passed to me was not just what was owned, but how to hold it with tools. This book is deeply rooted in the past, yet it feels urgent today. 

What connections do you see between Ward’s fight and current struggles for justice?

The connection is documentation. John T. Ward lived in a time when Black existence had to be repeatedly proven through documents, witnesses, and records. Today, we see similar struggles around voting rights, land claims, citizenship, and whose stories are believed. The fight hasn’t changed as much as the language has. His work reminds us that justice is rarely handed down; it is built, recorded, defended, and revisited. That is why The Bequest of John T. Ward is not just history. It is a blueprint.

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