Jesuits Launch Historic Fund for Slavery Descendants

A new foundation is turning centuries of injustice into hope for thousands of families whose ancestors were enslaved by Jesuit priests.

The Jesuits, a Catholic religious order, relied on enslaved labor from their founding through 1865 to build missions, churches, and universities across America. Georgetown University, Saint Louis University, and Spring Hill College all operated using enslaved people's labor.

In March 2021, something unprecedented happened. Descendants of those enslaved ancestors and the Jesuits of the United States joined together to create the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation, the first partnership of its kind in American history.

The foundation focuses on three core areas: supporting educational opportunities for descendants, promoting racial healing programs, and caring for elderly descendants still affected by slavery's legacy. It operates as an independent nonprofit, with descendants leading the work alongside Jesuit support.

Monique Trusclair Maddox, the foundation's president and CEO, has been traveling internationally to share their model. In September 2024, she spoke with the Church of England's bishops about how the foundation works, showing how this partnership could inspire similar efforts worldwide.

The Ripple Effect

The foundation's impact extends far beyond individual families. It's creating programs that address systemic racism while honoring the lived experiences of enslaved people whose stories were often erased from history.

The Jesuits openly acknowledge their participation in what they now call "this evil institution" cannot be reconciled with Catholic teaching or their mission. Their public acknowledgment and financial commitment signal a growing movement among institutions to address historical wrongs with concrete action.

The foundation makes tax-deductible donations possible through the Jesuits' USA Midwest Province, ensuring transparency and accountability. Their 2024 annual report shows growing reach and impact as more descendants connect with resources and support.

Other organizations have emerged alongside this work, including the GU272 Descendants Association and genealogy resources helping families trace their histories. These tools are reuniting people with their past and building community among descendants nationwide.

Together, they're proving that facing difficult history honestly can create pathways toward genuine healing and justice for everyone.