How we saved a stop on the Underground Railroad at 227 Duffield

New York City tried to confiscate the home of Mama Joy at 227 Duffield. She fought back and WON. In the process, she created a movement to respect the Black history of Downtown Brooklyn. Come hear stories of countless heroes and sheroes, and see how their stories have been erased from our streets.

After a 17 year fight, we succeeded in preserving the building through the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Their vote was on February 2nd, 2021. We will gather at the church of our co-host, St. Boniface Church, where Mama Joy went to pray daily.

This is more than just a discussion recovering a century+ of Black Civil Rights history. It’s also a personal story of Mama Joy as told by her daughter, Shawné Lee, and co-curated by Public Historian Raul Rothblatt.

RSVP on Eventbrite
$15 Suggested Donation
to support Friends of Abolitionist Place

We are working to turn 227 Abolitionist Place into a heritage center. Please donate here to help create a center for liberation in Downtown Brooklyn.

Please visit Friends of Abolitionist Place to learn more.

News coverage by Brooklyn Paper: City landmarks Downtown abolitionist house at 227 Duffield