Tracing Our Roots: New Rochelle’s Black History

The New Rochelle Council on the Arts presents an original exhibit, “Tracing Our Roots: New Rochelle’s Black History”,  at the Lumen Winter Gallery, New Rochelle Public Library from Sunday, February 5th through March 1, 2023.

With a history stretching over more than three centuries, New Rochelle often serves as a microcosm of the nation. From its years as an early colonial settlement, premier commuter community, 21^st century city-suburb, the experiences of its Black residents often foretold America’s collective Black experience. In this exhibit the New Rochelle Council on the Arts continues its on-going exploration of the city’s heritage by focusing on the places, people, events and movements that shaped the lives of its African American residents. The narrative is one of slavery, migration, segregation and intentional integration, venerable institutions, acclaimed national figures, tireless activism, and preservation of tradition. Scholarly research and personal accounts wove the story that is richly illustrated by maps, documents, sketches and photographs.