Parrish’s Book Details Black Settlement and the Underground Railroad in Glendale, Ohio
CINCINNATI, OH – The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center announced today author William (Bill) Parrish will speak about his book, An Underground Community: How Blacks Settled in the Historic Village of Glendale on Saturday, July 22 from 1:00p.m. – 3:00p.m. This engagement is the first of three Parrish will speak.
William Parrish is the Founder and Executive Director of the Eckstein Cultural Arts Center, a 501c3 nonprofit arts organization, and is also pastor of West Cincinnati Presbyterian Church.
Parrish began a research project to save the historically black Eckstein School building in the historic village of Glendale, Ohio which lead to the writing of his book as well as an exhibit by the same name.
An Underground Community: How Blacks Settled in the Historic Village of Glendale tells the story of how blacks settled in Glendale, Ohio after travelling the Underground Railroad. A number of educators, politicians, community leaders and Underground Railroad conductors were involved in the settlement including John Van Zandt, Reverend Wallace Shelton, Bishop Benjamin W. Arnett, and Eleanor and Fredrick Eckstein. Eleanor Eckstein became so significant to the movement that Eckstein School, a school for black children was named after her.
“We are excited to have Bill share his journey on powerful insight he has uncovered about the Underground Railroad and its ties to the community,” says Tara Riley, Manager of Education at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. “Because of his pivotal role in preserving the rich history of Glendale, our city can better appreciate the role we played in helping slaves escape to freedom.”
In addition to William Parrish’s lecture on July 22, the public will have the opportunity to hear Parrish again on July 29, and on August 12, 2017.
An Underground Community: How Blacks Settled in the Historic Village of Glendale with William Parrish at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is Saturday, July 22, at 1:00 p.m. The lecture is free and open to the public with general admission. For more information about exhibits and programs at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, visit freedomcenter.org
