Author Jerry Mikorenda will discuss his book, America’s First Freedom Rider

17 Audrey Avenue,Oyster Bay NY 11771

18 February, 2022

Description

It is the history of America at its most despicable and most exhilarating. Yet few historians know of Elizabeth Jennings. It is the history of America at its most despicable and most exhilarating. Yet few historians know of Elizabeth Jennings or the impact she had on desegregating public transit. When Jennings climbed the platform onto the Chatham Street horsecar, her destination and that of the country took a sudden turn when the conductor told her to wait for the next car because it had "her people" in it. When she refused to step off the bus, she was assaulted by the conductor who was aided by a NY police officer. On February 22, 1855, Elizabeth Jennings v. Third Avenue Rail Road case was settled. Seeking $500 in damages, the jury stunned the courtroom with a $250 verdict in Lizzie's favor. Future US president Chester A. Arthur was Jennings attorney and their lives would be forever onward intertwined. This is the story of what happened that day.