Cheryllyn Branche is the president of the GU272 Descendants Association, a non-profit representing over 10,000 living and deceased descendants of enslaved children, women, and men sold by the Jesuits of Georgetown University in 1838.

Ms. Branche is a retired principal of Xavier University Prep, now St. Katharine Drexel Prep in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her ministries include Coordinator for the Parish School of Religion, Director of RCIA, the Social Justice Ministry, Adult Faith Formation, and member of the Parish Council at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. Cheryllyn is married to James W. Baker, III.

Photo of Frank Campbell, the only known GU272 ancestor captured on photograph.

Out of a legacy of slavery, can our Church forge a path of reconciliation?

Posted Feb 09 2021

Nearly 200 years after Georgetown University profited from the sale of 272 enslaved men, women, and children, one of their descendants examines the need for reconciliation and healing.