local
Descendant of Washington's enslaved cook says America's story should include everyone
By Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 3, 2026
· 3 min read
For many Americans, the country's 250th birthday is a celebration of history and a chance to tell a fuller story."We think about George Washington and the Founding Fathers as an exclusive history, when in fact, it's really an inclusive one. It's one that touches a lot of lives," Brendan Narcia to...
Key takeaway RELATED STORY | Scripps News poll: Americans excited to celebrate July 4, but divided on Trumps roleDoll arrived at George Washington's Mount Vernon in 1759 at the age of 38, Narcia said.
Why this matters in The Nashville
In Nashville , where the city's own complex history with slavery and segregation continues to shape the community, Brendan Narcia's story resonates deeply. As the city grapples with how to preserve and present its own historical narrative, Narcia's push to include the stories of enslaved individuals like his ancestor Doll is a crucial reminder of the need for inclusive storytelling. The fact that Doll's contributions to George Washington's estate were largely unknown, even to Narcia's own family, highlights the ways in which the stories of enslaved people have been erased or marginalized in American history. As Nashville continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that the city's historical preservation efforts prioritize the stories of all its residents, including those who were enslaved and marginalized. By doing so, the city can work towards a more nuanced and accurate understanding of its past, and a more equitable future for all its citizens.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For many Americans, the country's 250th birthday is a celebration of history and a chance to tell a fuller story."We think about George Washington and the Founding Fathers as an exclusive history, when in fact, it's really an inclusive one. It's one that touches a lot of lives," Brendan Narcia to...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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