Wayne Action for Racial Equality NYS Marker Dedication
Several descendants from the Maxwell Community will be attending and a table displaying some of the descendant families’ treasures will be on display. There will be a formal program including having a local group performing songs including one written by Newport Family descendant, Herbert Newport, written in 1918. A member of the Potter Family will read a letter written by their Civil War soldier (James A. Potter, Pvt. Co. K, 1st USCT,) to his wife shortly before his death in North Carolina where he was serving. His wife was Margaret who was a member of the Newport Family, one of the original emancipated families in the community.
Marker Inscription
BLACK COMMUNITY
FREED SLAVES & FREEDOM SEEKERS
LIVED AND FARMED IN THIS
AREA. AT LEAST 15 MEN SERVED
IN CIVIL WAR 1861-1865.
SEVERAL DIED IN SERVICE.
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2018