The Post-Standard received 10 letters on this topic from eighth-graders at the Expeditionary Learning Middle School in Syracuse.
CNY black history story left out Loguen, Leonard and Jackson
In your Feb. 7 article about black history in Central New York, you did not mention how Jermain Loguen escaped slavery in the South and came to Syracuse.
In 1840, Loguen started his own church in Syracuse, AME Zion. He helped 1,500 slaves to Canada (the “Freedom Land”). Not to mention Sarah Loguen, his daughter, was one of the first African Americans to graduate from Syracuse University to become a doctor.
You also did not mention how Thomas Leonard and Prince Jackson were the first African Americans to buy land in Syracuse. They made this land into a cemetery, called Rose Hill Cemetery, on the North Side of Syracuse.
Loguens built their home where Rite Aid is now
To the Editor:
Do you know who Jermain Wesley Loguen is? In your Feb. 7 article about black history in Central New York, I wish you could have mentioned one of the most important people in Syracuse, Jermain Wesley Loguen.
Jermain Loguen was born into slavery in 1813. He ran away from his slave master when he was 21. He ended up in Syracuse and became an abolitionist. He and his wife, Caroline, helped runaway slaves in Syracuse. They hid them in their basement and gave them food, water and comfort until they were ready to leave.
Did you know that on East Genesee and Pine Streets — where there is now a Rite Aid — Jermain and Caroline purchased land and built their home?
Barneses were unsung heroes in the abolition movement
To the Editor:
On Feb. 7, you wrote “Making the Connection to Black History — Central New York has a Rich History of Changing the World.” You forgot to mention the unsung heroes such as George and Rebecca Barnes.
George and Rebecca were abolitionists in Central New York who wanted to abolish slavery. They let runaway slaves stay in their basement until they were ready to leave. When the slaves were ready to start their journey, George and Rebecca gave them food, clothing and nice knitted quilts to keep them warm.
Although George and Rebecca were a different race, they went out of their way to make sure these innocent people were freed. Next time you look at Black history in Syracuse, please make sure you include the unsung heroes.
Gage deserved mention in article on Syracuse’s black history
To the Editor:
Do you know who Matilda Joslyn Gage was? In your Feb. 7 article about black history in Syracuse, you forgot to mention Matilda Joslyn Gage. Matilda should have been mentioned in your article because, even though she was white, she was an abolitionist. She helped fugitive slaves on the Underground Railroad. To give Matilda her due respect, you should include her in your next article about black history in Syracuse.