Join us for the annual Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration, a day filled with historical performances, music, and activities, all centered around the important yet often overlooked Black history of St. Louis.
Courtesy of the website
Every year, partners plan and host the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration on the Mississippi Greenway. The theme of the event changes each year and shines a spotlight on important yet rarely-told or not widely-known Black history in St. Louis.
Event opens at noon. The program includes historical performances, vendors, music, gospel choirs, and children’s activities and will take place from 12-4pm. Family-friendly bike ride from the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing to the Gateway Arch and back begins at 12pm.
12pm – Trailnet Bike ride begins; site & vendors open to public
1pm – Live, local music
2pm – Remarks from local leaders
3pm – Main events- historical re-enactment
5pm – Last shuttle leaves, see you next year!
About Mary Meachum:
Mary Meachum (1801–1869) and her husband, Reverend John Berry Meachum, were American abolitionists who dedicated their lives to educating and freeing enslaved people. On the night of May 21, 1855, a small group of enslaved people met at Mary Meachum’s home downtown as the waypoint to start their journey to the river to attempt an escape in the area that is now part of the Mississippi Greenway: Riverfront Trail north of the Merchant’s bridge.
They intended to cross the Mississippi River to Illinois where slavery was outlawed. However, enslavers and law enforcement officials caught at least five of the enslaved people and arrested Mary for her participation in the plot. She was charged in criminal court for helping the “fugitives” escape. In 2001, the National Park Service recognized the site as part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Courtesy of the website
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