Features the stories of five slaves who had a unique view of the birth of America including Billy Lee, George Washington's valet; Ona Judge, George Washington's escaped slave; Isaac Granger, Yorktown survivor; Paul Jennings, witness to the burnings of James Madison's White House; and Alfred Jackson, born a slave to Andrew Jackson. Includes photographs and a timeline.

Introduction : out of the shadows -- "The loudest yelps for liberty" -- Stolen from Africa -- "My mulatto man William" : the story of Billy Lee -- "Absconded from the household of the President : the story of Ona Judge -- "Mr. Jefferson's people" : the story of Isaac Granger -- White house, black man : the story of Paul Jennings -- "How would you like to be a slave?" : the story of Alfred Jackson -- Afterword : "That all may be free."