I would like to invite my readers to two wonderful events coming up this weekend and the first weekend of October.

Imagine yourself trapped between two hostile forces during the Civil War in Missouri. Caught in this huge conflict the enslaved Archer Alexander would earn his freedom, because of his brave act at the Peruque Creek bridge in St. Charles County. When he learned of his enslaver’s plot to destroy the vital railroad bridge, he rushed to inform the Union Troops stationed at the guardhouse. This critical knowledge would save hundreds of lives, and precious military supplies. Archer was forced to flee for his life, via the network to freedom. He would find safety in the home of a Unitarian minister, and founder of Washington University in St. Louis, William Greenleaf Eliot. It would be dangerous to harbor a fugitive. Then the news came. Archer’s freedom was announced in the newspapers on September 24, 1863!

On September 24, 2022, Archer Alexander will be recognized in two events, being held in his honor, to which the public is invited

·       10 am at 119 S. Main Street in St. Charles, the former site of the St. Charles County Courthouse in 1863, sits the OPO Startups. Join us for the ceremony!

·       1 pm at St. Peters UCC Cemetery in St. Louis (Normandy) 2101 Lucas & Hunt Memorial Service with his family and friends will celebrate the life of this American Hero.

 Archer Alexander is also known as the face of freedom on the Emancipation Memorial in Washington, D.C., a monument erected and dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln by the formerly enslaved people, the U.S. Colored Troops, and freedmen in 1876.  The public is invited to share in both special events.

The othergreat event happening the first weekend of October focuses on Mary Meachum.

You’re invited to the 20th Annual Mary Meachum Celebration on Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 12-5pm at Missouri’s first nationally recognized Underground Railroad site, the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing on the Mississippi Greenway (25 East Prairie Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63147). Each year, the Mary Meachum Celebration shines a spotlight on Black St. Louis history through historical reenactments, theater performances, music, and activities for the whole family in a festive atmosphere with opportunities to shop, dine, and learn about community resources. For more information, visit www.MaryMeachum.org or call 314-436-7009. You can also visit the website at Great Rivers Greenway.