Sally Hemings was Thomas Jefferson’s slave and companion for many years, with whom he fathered multiple children, whose descendants are alive today. She won many concessions from him, including a comfortable life and freedom for her children.

Some historians, including some of Hemings' descendants, frame their relationship as a love affair. Others point out that Hemings really didn’t have a choice in the matter, which makes the relationship look a rape victim who has managed to negotiate an arrangement with her rapist. And that’s not even thinking about the big age difference between the two; Jefferson was a grown man when their relationship started, while Hemings was only 14-16 years old.

And yet to simply paint Hemings as a victim does not take into account that she negotiated a pretty good deal for herself within the constraints of slavery. She was relatively powerless, while Jefferson was one of the most powerful people in the new United States, and yet she got a good treatment for herself and her children, which is an extraordinary accomplishment.

And maybe they did love each other. We don’t know.