Stetser Elementary sixth-graders publish book of reflections About Frederick Douglass and the Hill Community of Easton, MD

(CHESTER, PA) – Sixth-grade students at Chester Upland School District’s Stetser Elementary School published a book of original poetry and personal narratives relating to Frederick Douglass and the Hill Community of Easton, MD, the oldest free black community in the United States. The students are hosting a book signing event today, Aug. 19th at Stetser Elementary, 808 East 17th St. Chester, PA, from 6-7:30 pm and are inviting the general public.

Professor Dale Green, Assistant Professor of Architecture and Planning at Morgan State University, who inspired the students, will be in attendance. Books will be available for purchase at the event a cost of $12.99. All proceeds will go to support future Stetser literary programs; the non-profit group Community Leveraged Learning of Gulfport, FL, which worked one-on-one with the students to help them create and edit their work; and the students themselves.

“We are so proud of our students’ research and writing and extremely grateful to Professor Green and the folks from Community Leveraged Learning who devoted so much time and effort to this project,” said Receiver Joe Watkins.

Professor Green’s research has gained international attention due to its significance in establishing the Hill as the oldest free black community in the U.S. that is still in existence. He has led research teams conducting archeological excavations of the area and the findings along with census records, land records, genealogy, and oral history that date the Hill Community back to 1790, the year of the first Federal Census.

Noting that the students’ field trip was made possible by a US Airways Travel Grant and a “Sharing the Dream” Global Learning Grant from the National Association of Elementary School Principals funded by the MetLife Insurance Company, Receiver Watkins praised the power of funders to enrich the lives of the Chester Upland School District students.

Hailing the book as a literary celebration of heritage and history, Supt. Gregory Shannon said, “The students’ poems and narratives reflect a great deal about what they learned of Frederick Douglass and the Hill Community. To become published authors at such an early age is quite an accomplishment.”

In December 2013, Professor Green visited with the students at Stetser. At his invitation, Principal Janet Baldwin, teacher Phyllis Robinson, 25 students, and parent and community chaperones traveled to Easton, MD, Washington, D.C., and Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD, on January 29, 2014. Professor Green met the students at the Hill Community and they walked the streets, toured important buildings, viewed artifacts and enjoyed a soul food luncheon at Asbury United Methodist Church where Frederick Douglass traveled to dedicate the building in 1878. They visited Cedar Hill, the Washington, D.C., home Douglass purchased in 1877, and finished the day at Morgan State University where they had dinner with Professor Green. In preparation for their trip, students spent considerable time reading biographies and writings of Frederick Douglass. After the students’ trip, authors from Community Leveraged Learning traveled to Stetser to work with them on writing personal narratives based on their experience.

The students will soon make a return trip to Easton, MD, where Professor Green will guide them on a tour of Frederick Douglass’ birthplace and then trace the route Douglass took to arrive at the Wye Plantation where he was once enslaved. Students will meet descendents of the original owners of the Wye Plantation and view artifacts presented to the family by Douglass. In the afternoon they will return to the Hill Community where they will participate in an ongoing archeological excavation. That evening, they will attend a second book signing event at the Avalon Theatre in Easton.

About Chester Upland School District
In the NEW Chester Upland School District, Supt. Shannon has instituted academic enhancements to the curriculum, built in accountability at all levels of staff and is improving safety and security at all schools. Since he assumed leadership of the district last summer, student enrollment has grown to more than 3,000 students. This summer Mr. Shannon and a team of district leaders are joining with community representatives to invite students previously enrolled in charter schools to join the Chester Upland School District. They are going door-to-door reaching out to parents and their children, telling them about the many new academic offerings, the cyber school and the positive school environment where respect is the basis for all interactions.

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Media queries can be directed to Becky Taylor, 609.240.6886 or becky@btaylorpa.com.