Globe Pequot/Lyons Press, Winter 2020
by Jerry Mikorenda
America’s First Freedom Rider: Elizabeth Jennings, Chester Arthur, and the Early Fight for Civil Rights tells a little-known story that unfolded on the streets of New York City more than 160 years ago, yet it still resonates today. It celebrates the life of Elizabeth Jennings, who desegregated Manhattan’s transit system by refusing to get off the Chatham Street Omnibus on her way to church.
Allowing us insight into the life of this remarkable woman, we see the emerging story of black feminism and changing gender roles in her time. The book examines the culture and landscape of 19th century Manhattan, from the price of men’s pantaloons, to roving gangs of kidnappers, to the development of the city’s transit system, and the evolution of Civil Rights in this country.
The author’s extensive research also sheds light on Elizabeth’s abolitionist family— her mother was a founding member of the New York Ladies Literary Society; her father was among the country’s first black inventors and successful businessmen. He channeled his wealth into bringing about equal rights for African Americans, and his efforts to end slavery helped create many early Civil Rights groups that would bear fruit in the 20th century.
Jerry Mikorenda‘s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Boston Herald, and Newsday. His history profiles are anthologized in the 2010 Encyclopedia of New York City, What the President’s Read, and on the Gotham Center’s History Blog. Jerry has also appeared on the AHC program, “What History Forgot,” and is the recipient of a 2015 Highlights Foundation scholarship and a PEN Syndicated Fiction Award. His short stories have been published in the San Francisco Chronicle, BULL, Cowboy Jamboree, and Gravel Magazine as well as other journals. His novel, The Whaler’s Daughter was nominated by the CBC for two Book Choice Awards in 2022.
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Praise for America’s First Freedom Rider:
“Here’s a story every American should know. Cleanly and smartly, Jerry Mikorenda brings burgeoning 19th-century New York alive, laying bare the connections between his heroine’s courageous stand and the long struggle for civil rights. America’s First Freedom Rider is an impressive and inspiring weaving of our history and a timely reminder that one person can change the world.”
— Stewart O’Nan, author of The Circus Fire and Everyday People.
“Jerry Mikorenda brings to light the little-known story of civil rights champion Elizabeth Jennings, who broke racial barriers by integrating New York’s transit system a century before Rosa Parks. This is an important addition to the city’s complex history and one that should not be missed.”
— Lisa Keller, Professor of History, Purchase College SUNY & Executive Editor of the Encyclopedia of New York City (2nd Ed.).
“In America’s First Freedom Rider, author Jerry Mikorenda makes the case that Jennings’ story should be seen on its own terms, as an electrifying show of bravery at the beginning of a long journey towards equality…
— Greg Young, Bowery Boys Bookshelf.
