by Evelyn Bailey
Iroquois Nation
October 1988, the US Congress passed Concurrent Resolution 331 to recognize the influence of the Iroquois Constitution upon the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. Declaration of Independence and the Constitution show a merging of two concepts, that of God (The Great Spirit) and freedom and individualism.
A concept peculiar and unique to the Iroquois. Iroquois Nation is a melting pot – as is Upstate New York with Rochester being the crossroads between the east and the new frontiers to the west and south.
Erie Canal 1817 – 1825
Within 15 years of the Canal's opening, New York was the busiest port in America. With the exception of Binghamton and Elmira, every major city in New York falls along the trade route established by the Erie Canal, from New York City to Albany, through Schenectady, Utica and Syracuse, to Rochester and Buffalo. Minimum of 27 cities. Nearly 80% of upstate New York's population lives within a 25 mi. of the Erie Canal.
Erie Canal established a bond between the east and the west. We cannot underestimate the tremendous significance of the Erie Canal in the exchange of ideas, the relocation of individuals, establishment of new business, the integration of cultures, and the inclusiveness of society.
First Wave of Feminism 1846 – 1920
Suffragist Movement lead by Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Matilda Joslyn Gage. Equality was the hallmark of these women. The roots of liberation grew deeper in the upstate New York region providing strength and courage to future movements.
Abolitionist Movement 1619 – 1865
1831: William Lloyd Garrison begins publishing the “Liberator”, a weekly paper that advocates the complete abolition of slavery.
1848: Frederick Douglass published abolitionist newspaper “North Star” in Rochester, NY. The motto of the “North Star” really captures the essence of liberation movements present and to come especially in Downstate and Upstate New York. Motto: Right is of no Sex. Truth is of no Color. God is the Father of us all, and we are all brethren.