African American Historical Society of Rockland County

Newsletter – Fall 2024

Celebrating and Reclaiming African American History and Culture

AAHS Newsletter

2024 Special Edition

A Message from the President

Welcome to Our Fall AAHS Newsletter!

We are excited to welcome you to the Fall edition of the African American Historical Society of Rockland County newsletter! As we reflect on the success of our 2023 and 2024 programming seasons, we are truly buoyed by the support from our community. This year, we have continued to expand our offerings with a renewed emphasis on enhancing our digital presence, which you will see through our growing AAHS online museum and updated website.

Our commitment to leveraging digital technologies will allow us to expand our membership and engage a broader audience in our programs. As we transition to a more sustainable model of operation, the AAHS of Rockland will remain firmly rooted in the four pillars of our mission: Discovering, Researching, Building, and Sharing. These guiding principles will continue to inform everything we do as we redouble our efforts to uncover and share hidden African American history in Rockland County.

Stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to your continued participation in our exciting journey ahead!

Jump at the Sun!
Jamila

Newsletter Contents

Upcoming Events

Event Recaps
History

A LEGACY OF COURAGE: THE LIFE OF WILLIAM HENRY MYERS

Celebrating the Legacy of William Henry Myers: A Recap of an Inspiring Evening On Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Nyack Library, history enthusiasts and community members gathered to honor the remarkable life and legacy of William Henry Myers, one of Rockland County’s most influential African American leaders. Hosted by the African American Historical Society of Rockland County (AAHS), the event offered an evening of inspiration, exploration, and connection, shedding light on an extraordinary individual whose story continues to resonate. Myers, born into enslavement, forged a path to freedom and became

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History

THE AFRICAN VILLAGE ON NATIVE LAND

Uncovering Hidden Histories: The African Village on Native Land in Rockland County History came alive on Thursday, October 24, 2024, during The African Village on Native Land in Rockland County, an unforgettable evening of discovery and reflection. The event, led by scholar Dr. Stead, illuminated the untold stories of African and Native peoples who shaped the region’s complex history. Dr. Stead’s presentation wove together family histories, historic records, and even slave advertisements, painting a vivid and thought-provoking picture of the lives, struggles, and resilience of these communities. His meticulous research brought

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Local History

Mine Hole Historical Sign Dedication

Honoring the Legacy of Piermont’s Mine Hole Community: A Dedication to African American History On Saturday, September 29, 2024, the African American Historical Society of Rockland County (AAHS) joined community members and local historians to unveil a historical marker dedicated to the Mine Hole in Piermont, New York. This event marked an important step in recognizing and preserving the legacy of an African American community that once thrived in this unique area near the Sparkill Creek. During the ceremony, Jamila Brathwaite, President of AAHS, shared poignant remarks about the significance

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Events

Juneteenth Event – Skunk Hollow

Reflections on Juneteenth: Uncovering the Hidden Histories of Seneca Village and Skunk Hollow The 2024 Juneteenth event, hosted by the African American Historical Society of Rockland County, brought the community together to not only celebrate freedom but to uncover the hidden legacies of African American resilience. Attendees were treated to a powerful exploration of two historic communities—Seneca Village in New York City and Skunk Hollow in Rockland County—that served as safe havens for Black people and stood as symbols of determination in the face of adversity. Seneca Village, a 19th-century

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History

The Extraordinary Story of the Tuskegee Airmen: A Virtual Black History Event

On Thursday, October 26, 2023, the African American Historical Society of Rockland County and the Finkelstein Memorial Library co-hosted a virtual Black History Month event, The Extraordinary Story of the Tuskegee Airmen. This enlightening program featured Jeffrey Urbin, Education Specialist and Director of the Pare Lorentz Film Center at the Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Photographs and Prints Division, The New York Public Library. “Group portrait of Tuskegee Airmen squadron” New York Public Library Digital In this engaging online presentation, Urbin recounted the

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Honoring Dr. Travis Jackson
People

Honoring Dr. Travis Jackson: A Legacy of Civil Rights and Education

The African American Historical Society of Rockland County fondly remembers Dr. Travis Jackson, a key figure in preserving the history of Hillburn and the fight for desegregation. Dr. Jackson’s deep connection to the Hillburn desegregation case is personal—he was a student at the Brook School during the landmark 1943 battle for equal education in Rockland County. Reflecting on that era, Travis shared, “It always bothered me why my parents sent me back to Brook School. Someone told my father that if he did not send me back…he would lose his

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Acknowledging Hillburn
Hillburn

Unveiling of the Historic Hillburn Website

A Milestone in Preserving Local Civil Rights History During October, the African American Historical Society of Rockland County launched the Historic Hillburn website, a new digital platform dedicated to preserving the powerful civil rights legacy of Hillburn, New York. This groundbreaking site highlights the pivotal 1943 Hillburn school desegregation case, where Thurgood Marshall successfully fought for the rights of Black children to receive an equal education. Through oral histories, photos, and detailed timelines, the website provides an immersive look into Hillburn’s historic struggle for equality. Visitors can explore the stories

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Membership

Join the African American Historical Society of Rockland County

Become a member of the African American Historical Society and be a part of our mission to preserve, celebrate, and educate others about the rich history of African Americans in Rockland County. Your membership supports our efforts to uncover hidden stories, host engaging events, and promote a deeper understanding of the significant contributions made by African Americans in our community. By joining, you’ll connect with others who share a passion for history and culture, and you’ll help ensure that these important legacies are remembered and honored for generations to come. Become a member today!

 

Stay connected

For more information on upcoming programs and events, visit our website at aahsofrockland.org or follow us on social media at;

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