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Kevin Beck's avatar

I was amazed to read this, because her name seemed to vanish from history (on a national level), even though this happened in the US' largest city! I had never heard of this case, only the more well-known case of Rosa Parks a century later.

Maybe the Parks case was over-reported, since it happened in the South, and by then, people had been inculcated with the idea that this type of racist action only happened in the South, and that the North was exempt from it.

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Jason A Clark's avatar

I suspect you're probably right. Also, it's possible Elizabeth's actions weren't seen as a watershed moment outside of transportation. But I'm just guessing.

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Jim McCraigh's avatar

The government schools WON'T teach it...

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Noelle S (Jennifer Incognito)'s avatar

Jason, this story from history, which I remember from last year,- is just as powerful this time. We should know the names of all these civil rights heroes, just like we know Rosa Parks. And your connection to scripture touched me today. The quiet resolve amd determination she displayed when what she knew to be true was challenged is a model for us all. As He promises, when we are weak, we are strong, if we look to God to provide the strength. Thank you.

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Jason A Clark's avatar

Thank you, Noelle. I agree. I have no idea why Elizabeth's story isn't taught in schools. But at least we can do our part to ensure she's not forgotten.

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Chuck kendrick's avatar

Jason, thanks for the history ( which I had never heard.) I also appreciate your thoughts on application. The great mocker of our souls is very good at his job. A little reflection on God's working in our lives is an effective weapon. I need to remember that.

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Gary Creamer's avatar

Jason, your recounting of Elizabeth Jennings’ story is a beautiful example of righteous courage, conviction and perseverance. Thank you for sharing it.

I have some questions though. “…she founded New York City's first kindergarten for Black children,”. Why do you capitalize the word “Black” in the sentence? Do you also capitalize the word, white, when describing children who are white? If not, by making this distinction between “Black” people and white people, what fruit do expect to glean from such a distinction? Rather than assuming I know what you are thinking, I am asking you these questions.

Sincerely yours, Gary Creamer

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Jason A Clark's avatar

Hi Gary. Thanks for pointing it out and not making any rash assumptions. I normally wouldn't capitalize black in that sentence. It wasn't a conscious decision, just an oversight.

I write and take notes in multiple programs including Word, Notepad, Google Keep, Google Docs, Substack, my phone, and probably some I'm forgetting. I also use grammar checks and autocorrect. My guess is one of those changed it. I usually catch issues like this on my final pass but I just missed it.

I wasn't making any kind of statement. I'll correct the text. Thanks.

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Andrew Devlin's avatar

Thank you so much for bringing this story to light, Jason, you did a fantastic job!

Have a great and blessed day!

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Jim McCraigh's avatar

Just looked it up... In 1855 $225 had the same buying power as $ 8400 today. Loved the Chester A. Arthur reference!

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