Rev. Jermain Loguen, the great African American abolitionist of Syracuse, was widely known as the “King of the Underground Railroad.” He presently has far too little recognition in outdoor public spaces, though Loguen is arguably one of the most impressive figures in our local history. Now, with the creation  of the Community Grid, let's rename Almond Street as “Jermain Loguen Boulevard.”

Rev. Jermain Wesley Loguen, originally named Jarm Logue, (1813-1872) escaped from enslavement in Tennesee at twenty-one and, after sojourns in several places in Upstate New York and Canada, settled in Syracuse. With his wife Caroline, he had a house built at the corner of E. Genesee and Pine Streets that served as a major stop on the Underground Railroad, of which he served as Syracuse station-master. A minister, teacher, orator, writer, and organizer, he defiantly took out ads in newspapers offering their home as a refuge for African Americans fleeing enslavement and, on moral grounds, refused to buy his own freedom to remove himself from jeopardy. He was one of the leaders of the 1851 Jerry Rescue, helping William “Jerry” Henry break free from jail and avoid return to servitude under the Fugitive Slave Act, an event of national impact. Loguen traveled with his friend and admirer Frederick Douglass, giving anti-slavery speeches across the region. The Loguens’ daughter, Sarah, became one of the first African American women licensed medical practitioners. A street across from Upstate Medical University Hospital is named in her honor.

Jermain Loguen is well-represented in the exhibits and other offerings of the Onondaga Historical Association, but only a wooden sign marks the spot where his home once sheltered hundreds of fugitives seeking freedom. The Loguen house was, unthinkably, torn down in the 1980s and now a vacant former chain drug store stands there. Loguen deserves creation of a prominent statue and memorial in Syracuse, which we encourage, but in the meantime we can honor him with the naming of a major artery in the heart of a revitalizing district in our city.

This petition will be delivered to the Office of the Mayor and the Common Council of Syracuse for their consideration and action.