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Connections

Connections: Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church celebrates 190th anniversary

Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church has a prominent place in Rochester's African American and civil rights history -- one that has been celebrated for 190 years.

Founded in 1827 by an escaped slave, it was a shelter on the Underground Railroad for hundreds of escaped slaves being led to freedom by Harriet Tubman. It was also the spiritual home of Frederick Douglass, who edited and printed the North Star in its basement. Susan B. Anthony also visited the church, giving her last ever public address to its members.

Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church is gearing up for a black tie soirée to celebrate it's 190th anniversary. We talk to organizers of the event about the church's history and why it still has an important role in civil rights advocacy today. In studio:

  • Carmen Allen, head of Memorial AME Zion Church's Community Outreach Ministry, and member of the church's 190th Anniversary Committee
  • Rashid Smith, preacher's steward at Memorial AME Zion Church, and member of the church's 190th Anniversary Committee
  • Delores Radney, chair of special events for the 190th Anniversary celebration, and member of the church's 190th Anniversary Committee

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Evan Dawson is the host of "Connections with Evan Dawson." He joined WXXI in January 2014 after working at 13WHAM-TV, where he served as morning news anchor. He was hired as a reporter for 13WHAM-TV in 2003 before being promoted to anchor in 2007.
Megan Mack is the executive producer of "Connections with Evan Dawson" and live/televised engagement programming.