Syracuse, New York, honors its own major piece of Black history

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — As the country braces for a tumultuous presidential election that will affect civil and human rights, body autonomy, immigration, and more, this medium-sized city is reflecting on a political and racial landmark event that took place 160 years ago.Syracuse may be known mostly for the major university that carries its name, but local leaders are honoring the legacy of Black delegates who came here from across the country for the National Convention of Colored Men. The gathering took place at the former Wesleyan Methodist Church, once a meeting place for abolitionists, now the Noble Cellar fine-dining restaurant.“Our name pays homage to our buildings’ honorable and noble origins, as a place of refuge and sanctuary for those on their path to freedom along the Underground Railroad,” said Rob Zaccaria, co-owner of Noble Cellar.On Friday on the Noble Cellar steps, Syracuse city officials, business owners, and residents gathered to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the National Convention of Colored Men.Speakers paid tribute to the space where late abolitionist and newspaper publisher Frederick Douglass led the convention among 144 delegates from at least 17 states. They paid homage to the delegates’ influential call to end slavery. Syracuse-area Democratic elected officials...