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Rochester-Monroe County Freedom Trail Commission Produces Dramatic “Stride Toward Freedom” Event
June 29, 2001 Rochester, NY— The Rochester-Monroe County Freedom Trail Commission presents “Stride Toward Freedom,” a dramatic celebration commemorating New York State’s freeing of those who had been enslaved since before New York became a state. From noon to 3pm, Saturday, July 7, New York Emancipation will be celebrated much as it was on July 5, 1827. On that day, Johnson’s Square (now Washington Square Park) will vibrate with:
•Street Theater! Time travel to 1827 and meet and mingle with African American citizens who gather to celebrate Emancipation in New York State. Eight members of the Blackstorytelling League and AKWAABA: The Heritage Associates bring to life real people from Sodus, Bath and Rochester, including an individual from the little-known Pinnacle Hill people. Encounter a fugitive from enslavement in Virginia as he makes his way to freedom in Toronto, Canada.
•Play 1800s table games, plus field games such as hoops and stilts with a costumed interpreter, Kevin Moss, from Genesee Country Village & Museum.
•Create musical instruments, hats and signs to carry in a special parade with teaching artist Shawn Dunwoody and members of the Rochester Museum & Science Center Youth Corps. -more- Rochester-Monroe County Freedom Trail Produces Dramatic Emancipation Day Event Page 2 of 3
•Learn about 1800s herbal remedies and make apple pomanders with RMSC historian and archivist Leatrice Kemp.
•Watch and learn as seamstresses display authentic freedom quilt patterns that aided enslaved fugitives on their flight to freedom.
•Enjoy the music of the South West Area Neighborhood Band.
•Come in costume and bring a picnic lunch; or purchase food from vendors stationed on the Square.
All are invited to participate in a special parade around Washington Square that takes place at 1:45pm. Those wishing can wear the hats, play the musical instruments and carry the signs that they have created.
The celebration culminates at 2:15pm in a stirring reenactment of speeches that took place in Rochester for the original Emancipation Day celebration on July 5, 1827. The keynote speaker will be Austin Steward, Rochester’s first African American businessman (portrayed by Eric Logan). Steward will be preceded by Rev. Allen, (portrayed by Hanif Abdul Wahid), and introduced by Steward’s friend and contemporary newspaper reporter, Edwin Scrantom (played by Timothy Cawley). Mayor William A. Johnson, Jr. and County Executive John D. Doyle will also participate in the drama. Freedom Trail Chairperson David A. Anderson will emcee.
“The afternoon will combine fun with learning, and families are urged to bring picnic baskets, or purchase food from vendors that will be set up on the square,” said Dr. David A. Anderson, Chairperson of the Rochester-Monroe County Freedom Trail Commission. “There is no more important event in the history of our state than the enactment of the 1827 Emancipation law,” Anderson maintains.
In the event of rain, the event will be moved inside to nearby Rochester Public Library’s Kate Gleason Auditorium on South Avenue.
Emancipation Day is an original event created by the Rochester-Monroe County Freedom Trail Commission in collaboration with the City of Rochester, County of Monroe, AKWAABA: The Heritage Associates, Black Storytelling League, Frederick Douglass Resource Center, Rochester Public Library, and four major area museums: Genesee Country Village & Museum, Landmark Society of Western New York, Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester, and the Rochester Museum & Science Center.
For further information, the public can call the Events Line at the Landmark Society of Western New York: 546-7029 ext. 6.
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