Maroon News

Issue date: 10/25/07 Section: Arts & Features

ANOTHER LUCKY THIRTEEN: The National Abolition Hall of Fame inducted famous figures for their efforts in abolishing slavery, a goal finally achieved with the 13th Ammendment.

In 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. Today, the National Abolition Hall of Fame (NAHOF), in partnership with the Upstate Institute at Colgate University, honors antislavery abolitionists and works to complete the enduring "Second Abolition" of discrimination and racism.

Last weekend, NAHOF held its Second Induction Ceremony by admitting John Brown, Lydia Maria Child, Wendell Phillips and Sojourner Truth. These four exemplary figures, chosen for their dedication to achieve equal rights for all people, joined Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Lucretia Mott, Gerrit Smith and Harriet Tubman, the first class of inductees who were admitted to NAHOF in 2005.

The weekend's events, started on Friday the 19th with a screening of Amazing Grace in Little Hall. On Saturday, James Brewer Stewart held a book signing for his introduction to the abolition movement, Holy Warriors.

On Saturday at 1:00 pm, NAHOF held the Inductee Symposia in Little Hall. After a welcome from senior NAHOF Fellow Ayanna Williams, Professor of Geography at Colgate and Director of the Upstate Institute Ellen Kraly spoke about the organization's goals. The Upstate Institute aims to link Colgate to the regional community by researching and transferring knowledge to enhance the capacity and beauty of the area.

"Through partnership, everyone wins," Kraly said.

Various speakers then gave presentations on the four inductees, highlighting their critical roles in abolition as well as their relevance to today's society. Dr. Louis DeCaro, Jr. debunked common myths about John Brown, the man who organized the attack on the U.S. arsenal at Harpers Ferry in 1859, sparking the Civil War.

"We all owe John Brown another look," DeCaro said, explaining that contrary to popular belief, Brown was not a "misanthrope, a lunatic, or a terrorist."

Syracuse University doctoral student Corinne Martin focused on author Lydia Maria Child's anti-slavery literature.

"[She] broke barriers both within and without the women's sphere," Martin said.

Continued...

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