ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The City of Rochester celebrated on Thursday, honoring the legacy of historic abolitionist Austin Steward.
People gathered at the Arnett Library on Arnett Boulevard to learn about Steward’s accomplishments, like becoming the first Black business owner in Rochester, and what he means to the city’s history.
“Reverence toward our ancestors, knowing our traditions, knowing ourselves, Sankofa going back and getting parts of our history so we know who we are is always important,” said Diallo Payne, who’s with the Community Justice Initiative.
“Recognizing the local heroes, the national heroes with important values to African and Black people that empower us,” Payne added…