Brooklyn To Honor Black Woman Suffragists at Cuyler-Gore Park In Fort Greene

The first National Votes for Women Trail (NVWT) historical plaque in New York City will be unveiled in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The plaque will commemorate the centennial of the 19th Amendment and honor the tireless efforts of a Brooklyn-based group of Black Women Suffragists, who struggled to secure the RIGHT TO VOTE for all American women.

The New York Committee of the NVWT has partnered with the historic Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church (LAPC), and Psi Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated to host the dedication ceremony for the plaque, which is funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.

The celebratory event will take place in Cuyler Gore Park, Fulton Street and Greene Avenue, Brooklyn, NY; Saturday, October 15, 2022, from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. In case of inclement weather, the event moves indoors to Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church at 85 S. Oxford Street, one block from Cuyler Gore Park.

This NVWT plaque honors the African American women of the Equal Suffrage League of Brooklyn (ESL). In 1908, these women established their headquarters at the Carlton Avenue Branch of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), in Brooklyn. Among the leaders of the ESL were: (1) Sarah J.S Garnet, the founder of the Equal Suffrage League and the first African American woman principal in New York City's public schools, and (2) Dr. Verina Morton-Jones a medical doctor, and outstanding social activist, who served as the President of the ESL for many years. These women are among the leaders who we will pay tribute to at the October 15th event.

Local government officials, including NYS Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest (AD 57) and NYC Council Member Crystal Hudson (CD 35), will give remarks. Tributes will be offered to honor four of the women leaders of the ESL. Speakers include: Dr. Leslie Hayes, MD, President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Psi Lambda Omega Chapter, Thandekile Shange, LAPC Voter Action Coalition, a project of the LAPC Social Justice Committee and Dr. Judith Burgess, Member, NY Committee, NVWT. In addition, music will be provided by the Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble, the gospel choir of the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, attendees will walk over to Carlton Avenue for the plaque unveiling and photo opportunities. The plaque will be mounted on the former African American YMCA, which is now the New Carlton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.