The 272

The 272: The Families Who were Enslaved and Sold to Build The American Catholic Church is a nonfiction book written by Rachel L. Swarns and released on June 13, 2023, by Random House. It covers the history of and intersection of the author's family with the 1838 Jesuit slave sale.

Synopsis

In 1838, prominent Catholic leaders of the Jesuits Order sold 272 enslaved people to fund Georgetown University. The book chronicles the history behind this event by following an enslaved family for almost 200 years. This book also shows how the Catholic Church in the United States depended on slave labor to run its institutions and grow its influence.

Accolades

Chosen as a notable book of the year by The New York Times, in the nonfiction category. Also, chosen as a best book of year by The New Yorker and The Washington Post.