Thomas Jefferson has a complex legacy in Black history. On one hand, he was a key Founding Father and author of the Declaration of Independence, which declared that "all men are created equal" and laid the foundation for the principles of American democracy. However, Jefferson himself was a slaveowner who owned over 600 enslaved individuals throughout his life, including Sally Hemings, with whom he fathered several children.

Jefferson's views on race were also deeply problematic. He believed that Black people were inherently inferior to white people and promoted colonization as a solution to the "problem" of Black presence in America. Despite his contradictory beliefs and actions, Jefferson's impact on American history and democracy cannot be denied.

In recent years, there has been increased scrutiny and debate about how to reconcile Jefferson's contributions to American society with his ownership of enslaved individuals and his racist beliefs. This ongoing discussion reflects the complexity of Black history and the need to critically examine the legacies of historical figures like Thomas Jefferson.