Austin Steward Day Celebrates Rochester Abolitionist’s Legacy

July 2nd is Austin Steward Day, one of Rochester’s first Black business owners and a prominent abolitionist. Organized by the Community Justice Initiative, the celebration takes place at the Arnett Library and includes community discussions, reenactments, and the presentation of the Austin Steward Award to three local changemakers. Steward, a freed slave, played a pivotal role in Rochester’s early development, contributing to both economic and civil rights efforts. The event serves as both a historical tribute and a platform for modern community engagement. Attendees will enjoy storytelling, local vendors, and free food, making it a vibrant celebration of heritage and resilience.

Advertisements

Source: Rochester First
Image Source: https://archive.org/details/twentytwoyears00stew, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons