McCune Smith, James (1813 – 1865)

Dr. James McCune Smith was involved in the First of August Celebrations in 1855 at the Clifton Park Pagoda. The 1st of August, or Emancipation Day, celebrates the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire on August 1, 1834. American abolitionists observed the holiday in anticipation of the abolition of slavery in the United States, which did not come until 1865.

Dr. McCune Smith used the pen name “COMMUNIPAW” to write regularly in Frederick Douglass’ Monthly – and wrote extensively about the “First of August” Celebration on Staten Island.

Read more about Dr. McCune Smith at: https://tinyurl.com/yy8lx86c, and https://tinyurl.com/hpbxp2t.