Monday, February 18, 2008

Abolitionist Place Fundraiser 2/29 (NYC)


Please click image to enlarge.


227 Abolitionist Place

Home of Brooklyn’s Abolitionist Movement


Help support the creation of an Independent museum/cultural center

for the celebration of American history and Brooklyn ’s resistance to slavery

Friday, February 29th

7:00 to 10:00 PM

at

Danny Simmons'

Corridor Gallery


Background:
227 Abolitionist Place (a.k.a. 227 Duffield Street ) was the home of Abolitionist Thomas and Harriet Lee-Truesdell; located in Downtown Brooklyn between the Fulton Mall and Willoughby Street (Metro Tech). The area was an enclave of Abolitionist activity at a time when most New Yorkers supported slavery. Ms. Joy Chatel, the owner and resident of 227, in 2004 uncovered a wooden door which led to the actual tunnel that was an active part of the historical Underground Railroad. After South Carolina , New York was the largest slave holding state in the nation and second to the last to abolish slavery. New Jersey was the last.

Joy Chatel, decided to turn her home into a museum to celebrate the inspiring history of the Truesdells, Abolitionist Place/Duffield Street , and the surrounding areas. Dozens of historians have concluded that in addition to abolition activity, the home represents the most exciting site for Underground Railroad research. Through the improper use of eminent domain, the New York City Economic Development Corporation planned to confiscate and destroy the home to build an underground parking lot. After almost four years of advocacy, November 28, 2007 marks the day the city granted a reversal of condemnation leaving the owner to pursue her vision.

The greatest achievement of protecting 227 Abolitionist Place was recognized by many publications as one of the most important New York stories of 2007. It is an inspiration to all New Yorkers who want sensible and respectful development.


The Current Situation:
While 227 Abolitionist Place in no longer threatened with the wrecking ball, many difficult structural and financial challenges remain. We have launched a massive and ongoing fundraising drive to secure the safety of 227 Abolitionist Place to bring the Museum/Cultural center to fruition.

Our Vision for the Future:
We want to share the history of the brave people who believed in freedom at the time when our country went astray. This is not only good for Brooklyn— this is good for United States.


We want to create an independent museum, not reliant on the whims of politicians or developers. We will mark a vital spot recognizing the First non-violent act of civil disobedience ever to take place.

Downtown Brooklyn is quickly becoming a generic land of high-rise luxury condos and hotels. It is more than that— it remains a community of people who believe that humans cannot be bought and sold. We have a chance to turn 227 Abolitionist Place into an important cultural/education attraction for Downtown Brooklyn. More importantly, people will feel, touch, see and smell what freedom seekers went through to secure freedom for all.
We should stand proud of our history. Only with your help can we make this a reality.


Peace

Contact Information:
718-643-1385 / 347-731-5481227


DuffieldSt.blogspot.com
Myspace.com/227abolitionistplace

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