Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh hosts proclamation ceremony in Hanover Square to honor George B. Vashon. Mayor Walsh with Paul Thornell Vashon Family Representative. On July 22nd Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh was host to a proclamation ceremony in Hanover Square at Freedom Trail Marker, in downtown Syracuse to honor the 200th anniversary of George B. Vashon, the first Black lawyer in Syracuse and New York State. The family of Vashon was in attendance to receive the proclamation. The ceremony, held in Hanover Square where Vashon held an office.