Never Caught to be 2026 Duke Common Experience

“Never Caught,” by Erica Armstrong Dunbar, has been selected as the 2026 Duke Common Experience reading. “Never Caught” is a non-fiction historical biography that tells the powerful story of Ona Judge, an enslaved woman who escaped from the household of George and Martha Washington. Dunbar’s book was a finalist for the 2017 National Book Award for Non-Fiction and received the 2018 Frederick Douglass Book Award.

“The committee was drawn to Dunbar’s examination of the founding era. ‘Never Caught’ challenges us to move beyond simplified narratives of the Revolutionary era we think we know,” said Candis Watts Smith, professor of political science and chair of the Duke Common Experience Committee. “By centering Ona Judge’s story, the book invites readers to grapple with the complexity of early American life and to examine the many visions of freedom and liberty that circulated among a diverse citizenry during the nation’s infancy.”

For over two decades, each incoming class has been welcomed into Duke’s intellectual community with the invitation to shared dialogue on a singular title. As a gift to mark the beginning of their undergraduate journey, all incoming first-year students will receive the book this summer. Throughout the year, “Never Caught” will anchor panels, lectures, and discussions — bringing together interested faculty, staff, students, and community members to engage in broad perspectives in civil discourse around a common text. 

This year, the Duke Common Experience will integrate with Duke’s We The People initiative, marking the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Dunbar illuminates the complexities of early American history, the realities of slavery, and the enduring human pursuit of freedom. “By illuminating the life of Ona Judge, 'Never Caught' opens space for deeper conversation about freedom, power, and the contradictions embedded in the nation’s founding—conversations that remain urgent today,” said Lee D. Baker, Duke’s vice provost for undergraduate education. 

The Office of Undergraduate Education leads the Duke Common Experience. Previous year’s books include “James” by Percival Everett (2025), “All We Can Save” (2024), “The Measure” by Nikki Erlick (2023), “Point of Reckoning” by Ted Segal (2022), “Such a Fun Age,” by Kiley Reid (2021), and “Know My Name” by Chanel Miller (2020).