Christopher P. Lehman presents It Took Courage

In 1860, Eliza Winston—an enslaved woman once purchased by President Andrew Jackson—escaped her enslavers while traveling with them in the free state of Minnesota and secured her freedom through legal appeal.

“Professor Lehman’s latest book is a probing and thorough examination of the life of a remarkable African American woman whose courage and tenacity fueled her will to survive enslavement and attain her freedom in pre-war Minnesota. Along the way, iIn Lehman’s telling, the reader will find numerous colorful personalities who defended Winston’s bondage against an inspired group of men and, in particular, women—Black and white— of both races, who were determined to defeat it. With this book, Lehman presents a revealing addition to the deceptively complex story of Minnesota’s racial history.”

William D. Green, author of A Peculiar Imbalance: The Fall and Rise of Racial Equality in Minnesota, 1837–1869

On August 22, 1860, an enslaved woman from Mississippi named Eliza Winston petitioned for her freedom before a judge in Minnesota—and won. For more than 150 years, historians’ accounts have focused on the implications of the events for Minnesota politics rather than on Winston’s own story. With It Took Courage, Christopher P. Lehman sets the record straight.

Lehman uncovers the never-told story of Winston’s first forty-two years and her long struggle to obtain her freedom. She was sold away from her birth family; her husband, a free man, died before he could purchase her freedom. She was enslaved in Tennessee, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Mississippi. A sitting US president—Andrew Jackson—bought her, and that purchase kept her enslaved by his relatives for over a quarter of a century.

In It Took Courage the remarkable story of Eliza Winston’s battle for freedom is given full expression. Lehman’s skillful description shows Winston as a capable, mature woman who understood her life and her values. Eliza Winston made the bold decision to leave behind everything she had known for an uncertain but free future. An appreciation of her story is essential for understanding the legacy of slavery in America.

Christopher P. Lehman is a professor of ethnic studies at St. Cloud State University and the author of six other books, including Slavery’s Reach: Southern Slaveholders in the North Star State, which won a Minnesota Book Award for Minnesota Nonfiction.

About Events at M&Q:

These are guidelines only, and if you have questions about the most up to date information, you can always call us at 612-822-4611.

Q: Do I need to register?

A: Please do if at all possible! Use the registration button above. Registering ahead of time helps us with scheduling, book ordering, and other decisions that are made several weeks prior to the event. The more info we have ahead of time, the better.

With a registered list, we can also easily and directly communicate event updates such as postponements or cancellations.

If you are unable to sign up online, please call or visit the bookstore and register with a bookseller.

Walk-ins are always welcome, but seating decisions are made based on registered attendance and seating priority is given to registered attendees first.

Q: Are in store events free?

A: Yes, Magers & Quinn events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Q: Are masks required?

A: Masks are not required to browse in the store or at most events. Some events may come with a request for masking for the health and safety of the author. If so it will be noted here whenever possible.

Q: How should I get there?

A: Please see our Directions & Parking page for the best tips on getting to Magers & Quinn.

https://www.magersandquinn.com/directions

Host or Publisher Magers & Quinn Booksellers