Celebrating Black History in York County, PA
York County, PA, is steeped in history. In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting some of the pivotal moments in African American history in York County and African American history makers who overcame adversity to leave their mark.
It’s essential to talk about William C. Goodridge when discussing York County’s Black history.
A former enslaved person, Goodridge established prominent business ventures in York, PA, and was a Station Master along the Underground Railroad in the 1840s and 1850s committed to helping others find freedom from slavery. You can visit The William C. Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum to see firsthand the home of Goodridge and learn more about his legacy.
You may have heard of the 1989 Civil War film “Glory” with admired actors Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Matthew Broderick. The film shares the heroic actions and struggles of the soldiers in the African American 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment in the Civil War. Two York County residents, Aaron Cummings and Charles Batty, fought for the 54th Massachusetts. Approximately 200 total African American soldiers with York County ties have been identified as fighting in the Civil War. (McClure, 2019a)
In 1872, York’s oldest African American cemetery was established, Lebanon Cemetery. The largest African American cemetery in York County, it’s the burial site of Black veterans, politicians, clergy, former slaves, and other African American individuals. Friends of Lebanon Cemetery is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and commemoration of historic African American cemeteries throughout York County. They honor the legacy of those interred in these sacred spaces. Through meticulous research and documentation, the group aims to tell the stories of those laid to rest, ensuring their contributions are recognized and remembered. They are passionate about engaging the community in their efforts, providing educational resources and fostering a deeper appreciation for local history. You are invited to join them in their mission to preserve and celebrate this vital piece of heritage.
The following tours are currently available:
- Historic Lebanon Cemetery History Tour: This tour delves into the rich tapestry of York's African American history, focusing on the lives of prominent figures buried within Lebanon Cemetery. Visitors will hear stories of educators, activists, artists, and community leaders who contributed significantly to the cultural and societal development of the area and beyond. The narrative highlights the resilience and achievements of individuals who, despite facing systemic barriers, left indelible marks on their communities. This tour not only commemorates their achievements but also educates on the social and historical contexts in which these figures lived.
- Historic Lebanon Cemetery Military Tour: Dedicated to the brave African American veterans interred at Lebanon Cemetery, the Military Tour is a homage to the soldiers who served with valor from the Civil War through the Vietnam War. A special focus is placed on members of the United States Colored Troops (USCT), who fought for freedom and justice during the Civil War, highlighting their courage and the challenges they faced both on and off the battlefield. As the tour progresses, visitors will learn about the African American military experience in World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of these heroes to the nation's history. This tour offers a plaintive reminder of the cost of liberty and the ongoing quest for equality and justice.
- Paved Over Prominence Project™ Walking Tour: This tour embarks on a journey through the annals of York City’s African American history, exploring sites that were once filled with life, culture, and spirit but have since been abandoned, demolished, or obscured by the relentless march of progress. This expedition traverses a variety of locales, from vibrant neighborhoods and sacred places of worship to bustling workplaces and former businesses, each with its own story of resilience, community, and struggle against the backdrop of a society that often sought to marginalize them.
World-renowned scholar Debra Newman Ham graduated from York High School. She started her career in 1972 and led a successful career as an archivist, curator, professor, and published author specializing in Black history. Her historical work has been used extensively in the study and teaching of Black history across the nation. (McClure, 2019b)
Another York County native, Loretta Claiborne, has defied the odds and continues to make history with her achievements. Claiborne was born blind and intellectually challenged, unable to walk and talk for the first four years of her life. But once she started to walk, she ran! She placed in the top 100 women in the Boston Marathon twice, has won medals in dozens of events at the Special Olympic World Games, holds the current world record in the women’s 5000 meters in her age group, is the first person with intellectual disability to receive three honorary doctorate degrees, and won the ESPN Arthur Ashe ESPY Courage Award in 1996. (“About Loretta,” 2023)
Special Events
Be sure to visit our online calendar for upcoming events celebrating Black History Month.
The Appell Center for the Performing Arts has collaborated with three prominent York County community members to curate an exclusive film series. Each feature portrays the struggles, triumphs, and challenges faced by these historical individuals and in significant periods of time. They are stories that simply must be told and retold…stories that continue to influence those that experience them.
The York County History Center is offering programming to commemorate Black History Month, including Dr. Dorothy King’s drama in one act which will examine the contribution made to York County by four noteworthy African Americans, a presentation by Neicy DeShields-Moulton on “Veiled Chapters of The Hampton Plantation,” and a talk by Mark Rhodes of Mark and Val Wines, one of Pennsylvania’s first Black-owned wineries.
Black history isn’t just observed in February, it’s celebrated in York all year. Continue your discovery of Black history in York County along our Cultural Trails program. The Cultural Trails feature pioneers and crafters of York County. The series includes an African American Focused trail showcasing Black-owned businesses and experiences that tell stories of perseverance and entrepreneurship of African American history in York.
Sources:
McClure, J. (2019a, July 17) York County soldiers served in African American 54th Massachusetts unit of Civil War film ‘Glory’ fame. York Daily Record. https://yorkblog.com/yorktownsquare/glory-civil-war-film-30th-anniversary/
McClure, J. (2019b, April 17) Scholar Debra Newman Ham to present on four centuries of black experience in Pa. York Daily Record. https://www.ydr.com/story/opinion/2019/04/17/scholar-debra-newman-ham-present-4-centuries-black-experience/3494523002/
About Loretta. (2023) Retrieved from https://www.lorettaclaiborne.com/about-lore
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