The Black Abolitionists Who Ran The First NYC Public School

Janes Walk

SOLD OUT, WAITLIST OPEN

Led By The Ancestors Speaks

How a modern day Community Organizer, on The Lower East Side, was unwittingly tracing the footsteps of Black Abolitionists from Two Centuries ago.

Learn how organizing against displacement leads to uncovering the hidden history of Black Abolitionists, how their struggle for freedom mirrors the struggle for housing, education, worship, and work, and respect today.

We will learn about the first Afro Diaspora American to teach and head the first Public School in New York City and help establish also the first successful Mutual Aid Society for the Black Community.

Accessibility

Please wear comfortable shoes will be a lot of walking and some places will have no seating or stores. Please bring a snack, water, hat or umbrella for shade and use restroom before you come. Not ideal for small children unless they are use to walking long distances and crossing busy intersections.

Location Information

RSVP is required and capacity is limited. Meeting location, ending location, and directions will be provided via email before walk date.

guided

Saturday, May 2, 2026
1:00 PM
2 hours

Borough: Manhattan
Theme: Advocacy, History & Culture
Language: English
Lithograph of the African Free School after an original by student Patrick H. Reason. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons, New York Public Library Digital Gallery, Carter Godwin Woodson (artist).