Topic: Elizabeth Freeman and the Promise of Liberty
When: Tuesday 5/19/2026 at 2:00 pm ET
Join us this week as we uncover the extraordinary story of Elizabeth Freeman—known as “Mum Bett”—whose fight for freedom helped bring the ideals of the American Revolution to life. In the midst of a nation’s struggle for independence, she boldly invoked the Massachusetts Constitution’s promise that “all are born free and equal,” challenged injustice in court, and won. We’re joined by Professor Lucas Morel to discuss his powerful essay and what Freeman’s story reveals about liberty, consent, and America’s founding principles.
Constitutional Chats are hosted by Janine Turner, Cathy Gillespie, student ambassadors, and experts who join us weekly to discuss hot-topic issues! The audience is not on camera, but you may ask questions!
Meet the Guest
Lucas Morel
Lucas E. Morel is the John K. Boardman, Jr. Professor of Politics and head of the Politics Department at Washington and Lee University. His publications include Measuring the Man: The Writings of Frederick Douglass on Abraham Lincoln; Lincoln and the American Founding; Lincoln and Liberty: Wisdom for the Ages; and Lincoln’s Sacred Effort: Defining Religion’s Role in American Self-Government. He is a founding member of the Academic Freedom Alliance; former president of the Abraham Lincoln Institute; a consultant on exhibits at the National Archives, National Park Service, and Library of Congress; moderator of high school teacher workshops for the Jack Miller Center, Hillel-Civic Spirit, Ashbrook Center, and Gilder Lehrman Institute; and member of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, which is planning the 2026 national celebration of the birth of the United States.