Norristown Group Weighs Renaming Library After Local Hero

The Norristown Men of Excellence are gauging the public’s interest in renaming the library after a local hero and scholar.

Charles L. Blockson, born in Norristown in 1993 and a graduate of Norristown Area High School, would go on to become of the world’s foremost authorities on the Underground Railroad.

Blockson was a stellar athlete, according to a profile on him on Penn State’s website. He played fullback for Penn State and eventually turned down an offer to play professionally for the New York Giants.

But it was his lifelong dedication to learning, reading, traveling, and the Underground Railroad that makes him most distinct.

He amassed an enormous library on African American history, which is at Temple University.

He wrote several books, including The Underground Railroad and Liberty Bell Era: The African-American Story.

“It is definitely worth answering the survey to see how the community feels about it,” wrote Marques Mayo with the Norristown Men of Excellence on Facebook.

“The hand that holds the quill, pen, pencil, controls history,” Blockson once famously wrote.

What do you think, Norristown residents? Should the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library be renamed the Charles L. Blackson Public Library?

Let your voice be heard. Complete the very short ”yes or no” survey here.

Image courtesy of the Norristown Men of Excellence and HistoryMakers.com.