And, we’re back! This week’s episode returns us to Pierre’s life in New York after his master, Jean Jacques Bérard, dies on a trip to Haiti. Upon Bérard’s death, Pierre is left to care for Bérard’s widow, Marie, and as the de facto head of household, Pierre supports her well on his hairdresser’s wages. Pierre is a popular hairdresser among New York City’s wealthy socialites, and he works long hours, spending his money responsibly.
Pierre’s life continues as such until 1807 when the widow Marie passes away. Before she dies, however, Marie makes sure that Pierre is freed from slavery. Pierre spent 40 years in selfless service to the Bérard family, and in 1807, he begins his life as a free man in New York City. In the coming years, Pierre marries Juliette, and together they raise Pierre’s niece after sister Rosalie’s death.
Join us this week for a look into Pierre’s daily life. We learn of his selflessness in his relationship to the Bérard family and his own family. We also learn of Pierre’s service to his community. He helps where he can, when he can, in so many ways. We close this episode with a quote about Pierre from his friend General Philip Schuyler, “I have known Christians who are not gentlemen, gentlemen who are not Christians, one man I know who is both - and that man is black.” Come back next week to hear more about Pierre’s philanthropic giving.
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Recommended reading:
Pierre Toussaint: A Biography by Arthur Jones
Ten Christians: By Their Deeds You Shall Know Them by Boniface Hanley
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