Breath Of My Ancestors Minute 3-26-17

On this day, March 26, 1815 we celebrate the birth of George DeBaptiste. He was an active abolitionist and respected businessman.

During the Civil War, he served as an organizer of Michigan’s Colored Regiment. He also served as the general manager of the Underground Railroad in Detroit, Michigan. On April 7, 1870 - two months after the 15th Amendment was ratified, giving us the right to vote, as part of the celebration, he hung a sign out that read, "Notice to Stockholders — Office of the Underground Railway: This office is permanently closed." The sign was later attached to his office building at Jefferson and Beaubien Streets. George DeBaptiste passed away in 1875…this is has been a Breath of My Ancestors Minute-brought to you by the Institute of Radical Reconciliation-We Must Never Forget